Senior business developer Optical Satellite Communication | Delft

Contributing to next-gen broadband connectivity, while boosting the Netherlands’ high-tech industry. Become a senior business developer satellite communication at TNO in Delft. Optical satellite communication is crucial to meeting the exponentially growing demand for secure and super-fast broadband connectivity. This is why, at TNO Space, we develop the very latest technologies, which are tested in space. And we boost economic growth by involving the Dutch high-tech industry to manufacture our solutions. As senior business developer you will be responsible for co-developing and implementing the satcom R&D strategy. Envision working with leading scientists and partners like ESA, NASA, and the global aerospace industry!

Together with dedicated scientists and a programme manager, you will develop the satcom roadmap for the next 10 years, aligning the roadmap to today’s and future capabilities of TNO. Translating the roadmap into concrete R&D programmes and projects, in a structured way, you will drive the entire acquisition process, negotiating and closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals. To enable our research geared to building mission-critical prototypes, you will create and expand our satcom industry ecosystem. While for ultimately producing our solutions, you will build consortiums of Dutch high-tech partners, securing their leading position in the global space market.

Your home base will be our mixed and internationally diverse team of nine business developers in the space domain. We share an ambition to further satellite technology geared to mitigating climate change, understanding the universe and boosting satellite communication. Fostering an open and very collaborative environment, we do not compete but help each other to achieve meaningful team results. We will give you all the support you need to develop your career, while you yourself will coach more junior colleagues, whom you’ll support in evolving to a more senior level. Suffice to say that you will be representing us in relevant communities and at leading conferences, putting TNO Space on the map! 

Learn more about the TNO Unit High Tech Industry and TNO Space.

You thrive on bridging commerce and applied research geared to developing unique satcom solutions. Using your own technical expertise, you know how to identify the market’s challenges and translate them into pragmatic projects. You also harness your communication and networking skills to inspire and convince mostly American and European partners in this complex ecosystem. While your cultural awareness helps you navigate sensitivities and influence decision-making. You have found your niche in the Dutch and international high-tech world, in which you have built a network.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A master’s degree or PhD in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or another relevant subject;
• Extensive experience as a business developer at senior level in the field of telecommunications in a high-tech environment, and preferably in the space sector;
• The skills and drive to co-develop, collaborate with the team and coach and support more junior colleagues;
• A keen interest in the technologies we research and develop, continuously expanding your own knowledge to understand and meet the market’s needs;
• An excellent command of written and spoken English, as you’ll be working with international colleagues and partners.

If you do not yet reside in the Netherlands, you are willing to relocate, with which you will get all the help you need.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross yearly salary between € 80.000,- and € 118.000,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel or a leased car.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete, but may fluctuate.
The selection process comprises of three interview rounds. 

A certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.