Business Development Manager Defense EMEA

u-blox AG; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A multicultural and international company

Hybrid working model & flexible working hours

Company Performance Bonus

Job summary

u-blox AG is seeking a Business Development Manager focused on Defense (EMEA) to establish and grow the company's presence in the European defense market, particularly in UAV technologies and rapidly deployable systems.

The role involves generating new business opportunities, managing critical relationships, and leading strategic development within the defense ecosystem.

We offer a hybrid working model, project-based activities across diverse teams, and a strong emphasis on professional growth.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to build pipeline from scratch.
• Understanding of system integration and mission-critical applications.
• Ability to translate technical capabilities into defense use cases.

Responsibilities

• Establish and grow presence in the European defense market.
• Proactively generate new business opportunities.
• Build trusted relationships with defense stakeholders.
• Define the company's positioning across defense applications.

Skills

GNSS / APNT technologies

Defense systems knowledge

B2G / B2B / OEM sales experience

Networking capabilities

Stakeholder management

Strategic account development

Education

8–15 years of experience in business development

Background in defense, aerospace, or GNSS

Job description

Overview

Full details of the job.

Vacancy Name

Vacancy Name Business Development Manager Defense EMEA

Location City

Location City Thalwil

Location Region

Location Country

Role also available in

About u-blox

About u-blox u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, driving innovation through our cutting-edge positioning and short-range communication technologies. We are the pioneers behind high-precision technologies, providing smart and reliable solutions that enable people, vehicles, and machines to determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, and offices across Europe, Asia, and the USA, we are making a global impact.

Job Description

Business Development Manager – Defense (EMEA) with initial focus on UAV and fast time-to-market opportunities

Your Responsibilities

• Market entry & opportunity creation (primary focus)
  • Establish and grow the company’s presence in the European defense market by identifying priority countries, programs, and target accounts.
  • Drive early traction in segments with shorter time-to-market, particularly in UAV and rapidly deployable systems. Conduct business potential analysis and develop strong market expertise across the European defense ecosystem
• Lead generation & “hunter” activity
  • Proactively generate new business opportunities through direct outreach, industry networks, defense events, and partner ecosystems – with a strong focus on fast-moving programs and emerging players (e.g., UAV, autonomy).
• Account & stakeholder development
  • Build trusted relationships with ministries of defense, procurement agencies, prime contractors, and system integrators, while also engaging with agile, innovation-driven companies and scale-ups.
• Strategic positioning & partnerships
  • Define and refine the company’s positioning across defense applications, prioritizing high-growth and fast-adoption segments while building a broader long-term footprint across the defense ecosystem. Collaborate closely with partners, account owners and customers to understand the ecosystem, identify key stakeholders, and establish defense strategies for both direct and indirect business models.
• Capture & sales execution
  • Lead early-stage capture activities, shape opportunities, and support bid/no-bid decisions across both rapid acquisition programs and larger, long-cycle opportunities.
• Commercial negotiations & deal structuring
  • Support negotiations in a regulated environment, ensuring commercially viable and compliant agreements.
• Cross-functional alignment
  • Work closely with Sales, Business Units, Legal, and compliance teams to align offerings with defense requirements and evolving customer needs.
• Pipeline transparency & performance tracking
  • Build and maintain a robust CRM pipeline, ensuring visibility across short-, mid-, and long-term opportunities.

Target Customers / Market Segments

• Unmanned and autonomous systems (air, land, sea), with particular emphasis on UAV platforms and ecosystems
• Defense electronics and mission-critical systems
• ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) platforms
• Assured navigation, positioning, and timing solutions (APNT)
• Military communication and sensor systems
• Prime contractors, system integrators, and emerging defense tech companies fast-scaling players

Your Skills and Experience

Technical & Industry Expertise

• Solid understanding of GNSS / APNT technologies and their application in defense environments
• Familiarity with defense systems (e.g., ISR, unmanned systems, guidance, secure communications)
• Understanding of system integration and mission-critical applications
• Knowledge of European defense procurement structures and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to translate technical capabilities into defense use cases and value propositions

Commercial & Business Development Skills

• Strong “hunter mentality” with proven ability to build pipeline from scratch
• Experience in complex B2G / B2B / OEM sales environments
• Track record in strategic account development and partner-led growth
• Experience in navigating long sales cycles and early-stage opportunity shaping
• Exposure to tenders, bids, and framework agreements

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong networking capabilities and ability to build credibility in new markets
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills (including senior-level audiences)
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution
• High level of ownership, resilience, and persistence
• Ability to operate in ambiguous, evolving environments

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of experience in business development, strategic sales, or capture management
• Background in defense, aerospace, GNSS, or defense electronics
• Experience working with European defense stakeholders or entering new regulated markets
• Familiarity with compliance, export controls, and security requirements
• Existing network within the European defense ecosystem (a strong plus)
• Willingness to travel internationally

What are your perks?

• A multicultural and international company with over 60 different nationalities
• Project-based activities working with colleagues across the globe
• A start-up and innovation mindset while in the process of scaling-up processes and efficiencies
• Hybrid working model & flexible working hours
• A strong learning environment and regular career discussions
• Company Performance Bonus
• … and discover even more by talking with us!

Applications Close Date

Contact

Contact Are you interested in this challenging position within an international work environment in a successful company? Apply now! You will be working with a motivated team in an exciting technology.

We are looking forward to receiving your application.