European Business Development Lead
Job in
Menlo Park, San Mateo County, California, 94029, USA
Listed on 2026-01-01
Listing for:
Neara
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-01-01
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Materials Engineer
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Aether Biomachines is building the future of protein engineering with AI. Our proprietary Protein Function Model, Aetheron, unlocks entirely new classes of proteins that power breakthrough applications - from recycling plastics and breaking down “forever chemicals” to creating next-generation materials that 3D print faster and stronger than anything 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 ~25 person Series A company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mission
We’re hiring an experienced, strategic EU Business Development Lead to build Aether’s presence across the European aerospace, defense, and industrial ecosystem. This is our first dedicated EU area based hire.
You will develop partnerships with companies operating in:
Aerospace & space systems (airframes, propulsion, composites, specialty materials)
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 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.
Core Responsibilities
Market Development in Aerospace, Defense, and Industrial Sectors
Develop a strategic plan to expand Aether’s presence in European aerospace, defense, 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 with A&D and industrial organizations 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 (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 inform product roadmap and technical investment areas.
Be the on-the-ground extension of the US BD team - operating independently but collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
8-12+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or commercial roles selling into:
Defense primes or subcontractors
Dual-use or national security technology
Advanced manufacturing (AM, composites, high-performance materials)
Industrial / specialty chemicals or engineered systems
Demonstrated success in complex, multi-stakeholder technical salesmonth cycles).
Strong familiarity with the EU aerospace/defense procurement and supplier ecosystem.
Ability to credibly engage with engineering teams, R&D leadership, CTO offices, and technical program managers.
Proven ability to build a market from zero and operate with high autonomy.
Experience operating in regulated or security-conscious environments with high expectations around rigor,…
To View & Apply for jobs on this site that accept applications from your location or country, tap the button below to make a Search.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
Search for further Jobs Here:
×