European Business Development Lead

EU Business Development Lead

Engineering the future of protein innovation and materials science 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.

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 commercial hire. You will develop partnerships with companies operating in: Aerospace & space systems (airframes, propulsion, composites, specialty materials) Defense & dual-use technologies (prime contractors, R&D labs, integrators) 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 workstreams 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: Aerospace (commercial or defense) 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 sales (12-36+ month 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, documentation, and risk mitigation.
• Exceptional Candidates might have Background in materials science, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial biotech, or related applied sciences (degree helpful but not required). Experience with EU government R&D or innovation programs (Horizon, ESA, DLR, BMVg/AID, etc.). Multilingual (English, German, French, Dutch, or Nordic languages). Experience at deeptech startups or dual-use technology companies.

Note Aether is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil-partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to participate fully in interviews or assessments, please let us know and we will work with you to support your needs. Any personal data you submit will be processed by Aether in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Your information will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will not be shared outside Aether without your consent. We aim to ensure a fair and respectful hiring experience. If you have concerns about the recruitment process or require additional support, please reach out to our team. The pay range for this role is 95,000 - 125,000 for base salary and 140,000 - 185,000 on target earnings with final compensation based on skills and experience.