Sales Representative / Key Account Manager Offshore Energy & Defense
100%, Zurich, permanent
Tethys Robotics develops innovative underwater robotic solutions for inspection and investigation operations in challenging conditions. We serve clients such as large asset operators and industrial service providers operating in high-demand sectors including offshore wind, oil and gas, as well as maritime security, demining (UXO, MCM), and search and rescue.
As an ETH Zürich Spin-Off, we are a fast-growing pioneer in the underwater robotics industry—made in Switzerland. Recently, we finalized a pre-seed investment round of 3.5 million and are ready to take on the underwater robotic world by storm! We are seeking a passionate sales professional with a business development mindset to help us achieve our goals.
Job Description
As a Sales Representative / Key Account Manager at Tethys Robotics, you will report directly to executive management and work closely with our business and technical teams, as well as external partners. Your main focus will be implementing our underwater robotic solutions into customer operations by identifying, acquiring, and establishing long-term relationships with customers in the offshore energy and defense markets. Representing Tethys Robotics will involve a hands-on work ethic at conferences, demonstrations, and customer visits internationally.
Your Contribution
- Actively acquire new customers in offshore energy and defense to close sales deals.
- Lead and support contract negotiations, taking responsibility for deal closures.
- Represent our technologically advanced products in strategically targeted customer visits, meetings (both online and in-person), international trade shows, and product demonstrations at customer sites.
- Build long-term relationships with decision-makers, while actively providing the team with industry insights to successfully position Tethys Robotics among target customers.
- Co-develop market- and customer-specific sales strategies (e.g., reseller, agencies, distributors).
- Develop customized proposals in close collaboration with engineering and executive management.
Profile
- At least 5 years of proven B2B sales experience with technologically sophisticated products, ideally possessing a strong network in the offshore energy and defense markets.
- Demonstrated success in tech sales.
- Excellent communication skills, strong negotiation capabilities, and intercultural competence; a persuasive personality with a knack for winning people over.
- Technical understanding and affinity for operating complex systems, ideally in fields such as robotics, sensor technology, or maritime technologies (an engineering degree is a plus).
- Significant experience in methodologically and structurally managing sales funnels, preferably using HubSpot.
- Fluent in professional English, both written and spoken; proficiency in any additional language is a significant advantage.
- Flexibility and willingness for spontaneous national and international business travel.
- A valid driver's license is mandatory.
- A passion for thriving in a fast-paced startup environment and the motivation to work in challenging outdoor conditions!
Bonus Points If You Bring:
- Extensive market knowledge, including hands-on experience with offshore campaigns and their execution.
- Sales experience in the maritime industry or robotics.
- Offshore certification (GWO / BOSIET or equivalent).
Workplace
We offer an international working environment, collaborating with clients from around the globe and team members with diverse backgrounds. Our common spoken language is business English.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to develop a high-responsibility key role within a rapidly expanding high-tech company.
- A strategically important position at an early stage, allowing you to actively contribute to and participate in the company's success.
- Streamlined decision-making processes, flat startup hierarchies, and modern working methods that cultivate innovative ideas.
- Modern office located in the heart of Zurich, Central Switzerland.
- A dynamic, high-performance, and passionate team.
- An international work environment that includes frequent business travel.
- Attractive compensation, including performance-related bonuses in a startup environment.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In alignment with our values, Tethys Robotics encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us—consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of reference / work certificates
- Education certificates
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further information about Tethys Robotics, please visit our website. For any questions, contact jonas.wuest@wysszurich.ch.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries regard our university as a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide, working together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.