Business Development Manager – PIC Packaging (Photonics)
Location: Netherlands (Hybrid / Remote flexibility)
Salary: ~€70,000 base + performance-based bonus
Industry: Photonics / PIC Packaging / Deep Tech

Overview
We are working with a fast-growing photonics company at the forefront of fibre-optic sensing and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging. They are looking to hire a Business Development Manager to drive growth of their PIC packaging services across high-impact sectors including aerospace, defence, and quantum technologies.

This is a hands-on commercial role suited to someone who understands the photonics ecosystem and enjoys engaging in technical discussions-not just relationship management, but actively shaping opportunities from early-stage concept through to contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities for PIC packaging services across target markets (aerospace, defence, quantum)
• Build and manage a high-quality sales pipeline, with a typical conversion cycle of 3-9 months
• Engage customers early in the design phase to position the company as a preferred packaging partner (“design-in” approach)
• Work closely with sales engineers and PIC packaging engineers to translate customer needs into technical and commercial proposals, including NRE structures
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships across the photonics ecosystem (foundries, designers, integrators, OEMs, and suppliers)
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities (EU, ESA, and national programmes), collaborating with the CTO and partners on joint applications
• Represent the company at international conferences, trade shows, and industry events (expected attendance every 1-2 months)
• Continuously track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities within photonics and advanced packaging

Candidate Profile
Essential:

• Proven experience in business development or technical sales within photonics
• Hands-on experience closing deals (not just account management)
• Strong understanding of the photonics/PIC ecosystem, including packaging or closely related domains
• Experience selling complex engineering services or solutions
• Ability to engage in technical discussions with engineers and R&D teams
• Track record of building and managing a relevant, high-quality pipeline
• Proactive, self-starting mindset with a scale-up mentality
• Fluent in English

Required / Highly Preferred:

• Experience structuring commercial proposals, including NRE-based projects
• Stakeholder management across customers, partners, and internal engineering teams
• MSc or BSc in Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or similar
• B2B deep-tech sales experience

Beneficial:

• Existing network within the photonics ecosystem
• Experience in aerospace, defence, or quantum markets
• Familiarity with EU funding frameworks / consortia
• Dutch language skills
• German or French language skills

Working Style & Expectations

• Hybrid/remote flexibility, with regular travel to customers and events
• Strong focus on pipeline generation and quality over volume
• Opportunity to make a visible impact in a growing, highly specialised market
• Suited to someone who enjoys technical engagement and building opportunities from scratch

Why Join?

• Work at the cutting edge of PIC packaging and photonics innovation
• Direct influence on commercial strategy and market positioning
• Exposure to high-growth sectors (defence, aerospace, quantum)
• Collaborative, engineering-driven environment with real technical depth

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Veronica Gains