Materials Testing Business Development Manager (Aerospace)

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding market share for aerospace materials testing services throughout Germany and selected European markets. This role focuses on developing strategic relationships with aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, MRO organizations, component manufacturers, and research institutions requiring accredited materials testing, failure analysis, and laboratory services.

The successful candidate will identify new business opportunities, manage key customer relationships, and collaborate with technical experts to deliver customized testing solutions that meet customer quality, regulatory, and certification requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve annual revenue and profitability objectives
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the aerospace and defense industries
• Build strong relationships with engineering, quality, procurement, and manufacturing decision‑makers
• Promote laboratory testing services including mechanical testing, metallurgical analysis, chemical analysis, failure analysis, fractography, corrosion testing, fatigue testing, creep and stress‑rupture testing, hardness testing, and non‑destructive testing (NDT)
• Develop proposals, quotations, and technical solutions in collaboration with laboratory personnel
• Manage the complete sales cycle from prospecting through contract negotiation and account management
• Maintain an active sales pipeline using CRM tools and provide accurate sales forecasts
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging aerospace technologies
• Attend aerospace trade shows, conferences, and customer events throughout Europe
• Coordinate customer visits to laboratory facilities
• Work closely with laboratory operations to ensure customer expectations are met regarding turnaround times and technical requirements
• Maintain long‑term customer relationships through regular business reviews and continuous support

Target Customers

• Aerospace OEMs
• Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
• Space and satellite manufacturers
• Defense contractors
• MRO organizations
• Composite manufacturers
• Metal producers
• Additive manufacturing companies
• Research institutes and universities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Business, or a related technical discipline
• 5–10 years of business development or technical sales experience within aerospace, materials testing, laboratory services, or TIC (Testing, Inspection & Certification)
• Demonstrated success selling technical services to aerospace manufacturers
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and materials
• Excellent negotiation and presentation skills
• Proficiency with CRM software (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar)
• Ability to travel approximately 50–70% throughout Germany and Europe