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 in high-demand sectors, including offshore wind, oil and gas, maritime security, demining (UXO, MCM), and search and rescue.
As an ETH Zurich Spin-Off, we are a fast-growing pioneer in the underwater robotics industry—made in Switzerland. We have recently concluded a pre-seed investment round of 3.5 million and are poised to make significant strides in the underwater robotics sector! We are looking for a passionate sales professional with a business developer's mindset to help us achieve our goals.
Job Description
As a Sales Support Engineer at Tethys Robotics, you will be responsible for the planning, organization, and execution of product demonstrations, pilots, and training sessions at customer sites worldwide. Your role includes overseeing the technical delivery—from site assessment and logistics to safe and effective operations onsite. You'll showcase Tethys Robotics with a hands-on approach during demonstrations and international trade shows.
In customer-facing projects, you will act as the lead operator of our robotic systems, in collaboration with R&D engineers for advanced technical scenarios. Following pilots and service missions, you will analyze collected data, prepare reports, and deliver results to customers and internal teams, ensuring that every project is executed professionally and thoroughly documented.
In addition to operating our systems, you will play a crucial role in developing and refining the processes that enhance our demonstrations and pilots. From risk assessments and method statements to reporting formats and logistical checklists, you will actively shape how Tethys Robotics executes field operations for our customers.
As a key member of the commercial team, your mission is to ensure each demo and pilot builds confidence, trust, and long-term relationships with our customers.
Your Contribution
- Plan, organize, and execute customer demonstrations and pilots, including equipment preparation, transport logistics, onsite 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 operator onsite while collaborating with R&D for innovative technical approaches.
- Conduct customer training on our robotic systems internationally.
- Process collected data post-demos and pilots, prepare professional reports, and deliver results to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Identify marketing opportunities during customer interactions (photos, case studies, testimonials).
- Actively contribute to the development of demo and pilot processes, including standardized procedures, documentation, and best practices for scaling field operations.
- Share insights from offshore operations with the sales and engineering teams—we value your expertise!
- 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 of offshore experience; tech-savvy and hands-on; background in engineering, technical operations, or a related field (background in robotics 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, training, service, or field support).
- Natural communication and presentation skills; confident in front of customers.
- Strong organizational skills, including planning logistics, site preparation, and conducting risk/method assessments.
- Comfortable operating and troubleshooting technical equipment.
- Experience (or 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 times per month, often on short notice).
- Independent, pragmatic, and solution-oriented; able to thrive in fast-paced environments.
- Fluent in professional English, both written and spoken; proficiency in any additional language is a strong advantage.
- A driver’s license is mandatory.
- And finally: an eagerness and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup team, along with the 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).
- Resilience to seasickness.
Workplace
We offer a dynamic environment in a modern office located in the heart of Zurich, with a passionate international team committed to excellence.
We Offer
- A customer-facing technical role covering the entire demo/pilot cycle: planning, execution, operation, and reporting—gain real insights into our commercial processes!
- The opportunity to contribute to the development of processes for demonstrations, pilots, and service missions at an early stage in the company.
- A 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, prompt decision-making, and a dedicated international team.
- A competitive compensation package that includes performance-based incentives.
- Frequent international travel and the chance to work in unique environments.
Curious? So Are We.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
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 knowledge transfer into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a breeding ground for independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and equality of opportunity. We nurture a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Sustainability is also a core value; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.