Sales Support Engineer - Targeting former EOD divers or AUV / ROV operators
Location: 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, 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. We recently finalized a pre-seed investment round of 3.5 million and are ready to take on the underwater robotic world by storm! We are looking for a passionate sales professional with a business developer's mindset to help us achieve our vision.
Job Description
As a Sales Support Engineer at Tethys Robotics, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing product demonstrations, pilots, and training sessions at customer sites worldwide. You will take ownership of the technical delivery, overseeing everything from site assessment and logistics to the safe and convincing operation on-site. Representing Tethys Robotics involves a hands-on work ethic at demonstrations and trade shows globally.
In customer-facing projects, you will serve as the lead operator of our robotic systems, with support from R&D engineers for advanced technical cases. After pilots and service missions, you will process collected data, prepare reports, and present results back to customers and internal teams, ensuring that each project is both professionally executed and well-documented.
Additionally, you will not only operate our systems but also play a central role in developing and refining the processes that make these demos and pilots scalable and repeatable. This includes risk assessments, method statements, reporting formats, and logistics checklists. You will actively shape how Tethys Robotics delivers its field operations to customers.
As an integral part of the commercial team, your mission is to ensure that every demo and pilot builds confidence, trust, and long-term customer relationships.
Your Contribution
- Plan, organize, and execute customer demonstrations and pilots, including equipment preparation, transport logistics, on-site setup, and agenda planning.
- Conduct site assessments, including risk assessments and method statements, to ensure safe and efficient execution.
- Serve as the technical lead and operator during demos and pilots, presenting, piloting, and explaining the robot to customers.
- Perform pilot service jobs for customers, acting as the operator on-site while collaborating with R&D for new technical approaches.
- Conduct customer training on our robotic systems internationally.
- Process collected data after demos and pilots, prepare professional reports, and deliver results to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Identify marketing opportunities during customer interactions, such as photos, case studies, and testimonials.
- Actively contribute to the development of demo and pilot processes, including standardized procedures, documentation, and best practices for scaling field operations.
- Share offshore operation insights with the sales and engineering teams—your expertise is valued!
- Document technical issues and provide structured feedback to sales and engineering for product improvement.
Profile
- EOD/commercial offshore diver or offshore AUV/ROV operator or similar: 5+ years offshore experience; tech-affine and hands-on; background in engineering, technical operations, or a related field (robotics background is a plus, but not mandatory).
- Extensive market knowledge, including hands-on experience with offshore campaigns and their execution.
- Experience in customer-facing technical roles (demos, trainings, service, or field support).
- Natural communication and presentation skills; confident in front of customers.
- Strong organizational skills, including planning logistics, site preparation, and risk/method assessments.
- Comfortable operating and troubleshooting technical equipment.
- Experience (or at least willingness to learn) in data handling and reporting to provide professional results to customers.
- Flexible and open to frequent international travel (2-4 days, approximately 2× per month, short notice).
- Independent, pragmatic, and solution-oriented; thrives in fast-paced environments.
- Fluent in professional English, both written and spoken; additional languages are a strong advantage.
- Driver's license is mandatory.
- Joy and ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up team and motivation to work in challenging outdoor conditions!
Bonus Points If You Bring:
- Experience in robotics, maritime high-tech, or deep expertise in industrial inspection.
- Offshore certifications (GWO / BOSIET or equivalent).
- Robustness against sea-sickness.
Workplace
Dynamic and modern office environment in the heart of Zurich—Central Switzerland.
We Offer
- A customer-facing technical role covering the full demo/pilot cycle: planning, execution, operation, and reporting—gain real insights into our commercial processes!
- The chance to help build the processes for demonstrations, pilots, and service missions at an early stage in the company.
- Direct influence on customer adoption of groundbreaking robotics technology.
- Close collaboration with both sales and R&D teams in an early-stage high-tech startup.
- Flat hierarchies, fast decision-making, and a passionate international team.
- A dynamic, high-performance, and enthusiastic team atmosphere.
- Competitive compensation, including performance-based incentives.
- Frequent international travel and opportunities to work in unique environments.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We!
We invite you to Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
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 fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Located in the heart of Europe, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.