European Business Development Lead

Engineering the Future of Protein Innovation & Materials Science

Aether Biomachines is building the future of protein engineering with AI. Our proprietary Protein Function Model unlocks entirely new classes of proteins that power breakthrough applications - from recycling plastics and breaking down “forever chemicals” to creating next-generation materials that show advantages versus other 3D printing materials on the market. With real-world impact across aerospace, defense, clean energy, and beyond, Aether is where cutting-edge science meets world-changing opportunity.

We are a ~30 person Series A company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We’re hiring an experienced, strategic EU Business Development Lead to build Aether’s presence in the FDM 3D printing and Advanced Materials space across the European aerospace, defense, and industrial ecosystem. This is our first dedicated EU commercial hire.

You will develop partnerships and applications with companies operating in:

• Military/Defense & dual-use technologies

• Advanced manufacturing (additive manufacturing, high-performance materials, precision engineering)

• Transportation

• Industrial and specialty chemicals

• Government innovation bodies and research institutes (e.g., DLR, Fraunhofer, ESA, ONERA)

Your role is a mix of creating strategic partnerships, deep technical engagement, and long-cycle relationship building in highly regulated, engineering-led environments.

This is a high-autonomy, high-judgment role requiring someone who has already navigated complex industrial procurement cycles and knows how to build trust with conservative technical buyers.

Market Development across multiple markets

• Develop a strategic plan to expand Aether’s presence in European military/defense, transportation and industrial markets.

• Map the EU ecosystem: primes, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, additive manufacturing OEMs, service bureaus, research agencies, defense innovation units, industrial conglomerates.

• Identify early commercial pathways where Aether’s materials capabilities drive step-change performance.

Strategic Partnerships & Complex Technical Sales

• Lead partner engagements across R&D, advanced materials groups, CTO offices, innovation labs, and engineering teams.

• Navigate long procurement cycles, qualification processes, and multi-layered stakeholder environments.

• Structure collaborations, pilot projects, PoCs, joint development agreements, and multi-year technical partnerships.

Technical Scoping & Solution Framing

• Work closely with Aether’s scientists to define technical work streams and project scopes.

• Translate customer engineering challenges into internal problem statements.

• Assess feasibility, risks, and potential paths from prototype > qualification > deployment.

Government & Ecosystem Engagement

• Engage with EU and national agencies (e.g. ESA, DLR, CNES, ONERA, UK DSTL, Fraunhofer, etc.) to identify strategic partnership opportunities.

• Represent Aether in dual-use and advanced materials consortiums and industry events.

• Track funding mechanisms, pilot programs, and government-backed innovation pathways.

Pipeline Ownership & Internal Alignment

• Build and manage a robust pipeline across priority verticals.

• Provide structured feedback to leadership to guide the product development roadmap and technical investment areas.

• Work collaboratively with the BD and Product Development Teams

• 7+ years in business development, application development, strategic partnerships, or commercial roles in the 3D printing materials space selling into:

  • Military OEMs and tier one suppliers

  • Defense primes or subcontractors

  • Transportation OEMs and tier one suppliers

  • Industrial applications

  • The 3D printing ecosystem - Printer OEMs, service bureaus, etc

• Demonst…