What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Business Development Manager position at Optopax?
About Us
Optopax is a Silicon Valley–based design and OEM manufacturing company delivering integrated AI imaging solutions—from concept through prototyping to production. We specialize in AI-enabled camera modules, precision optics spanning UV to LWIR, and custom embedded imaging systems powering applications in robotics, autonomous vehicles, submersible imaging, biomedical instrumentation, AR/VR, and optical computing.
Join our small, global team headquartered in San Jose, CA, and help us engineer the next generation of camera solutions that transform how machines see—through custom optics, advanced sensor integration, and embedded AI vision platforms.
About the Role
We are seeking a Technical Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and customer acquisition across the optics and imaging ecosystem. Reporting to the VP of Business Development and working closely with our CEO and engineering leadership, this role blends strategic sales, technical understanding, market insight, and account management throughout contract execution. This role is located in San Jose, CA, with a hybrid work model (minimum of 2-3 days in office for regular onsite collaboration and as needed for customer meetings).
What success looks like in the first 90 days:
- Develop a clear understanding of Optopax’s technology stack, customer value propositions, and competitive positioning.
- Build and qualify a pipeline of high-value opportunities in target verticals (e.g., automotive, robotics, defense, and biomedical imaging).
- Lead technical-commercial engagements through the full sales cycle, demonstrating fluency in optical and imaging system concepts.
- Advance a lead to contract or prototype phase to contract or prototype phase.
- Take the lead as the primary point of contact on at least 1 customer project that is already at contract execution stage.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute strategies to expand Optopax’s customer base and enter new markets
- Manage full sales cycle: prospecting, qualification, pricing, negotiation, and contract closure
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business
- Successfully oversee customer projects during the contract execution stage, ensuring alignment with agreed-upon deliverables and timelines, including leading all client communications and relationship management as the primary point of contact
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to align solutions with customer requirements and technical trade-offs, and to ensure project progress and successful delivery
- Create targeted marketing materials and value propositions for specific industries
- Identify and secure strategic partnerships with OEMs, system integrators, and industry players
- Provide market feedback and insights to shape product and business strategy
What You’ll Bring
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field
- Experienced in technical sales, business development, or account management within optics, photonics, or imaging systems. Will consider less experienced candidates if
- Proven track record of meeting/exceeding sales targets in a technical environment
- Technical knowledge of optics/optomechanical/optoelectronic system experience (e.g., CMOS cameras, infrared imaging, optical lenses, CMI manufacturing)
- Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
- Strong account management skills and software proficiency, including CRM
- Ability to manage complex sales cycles and senior-level relationships
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
- Willingness to travel internationally as needed (estimated up to 25% of time)
Preferred
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field (e.g. MBA, MSc, or similar)
- Established network in optics, photonics, or AI vision sectors.
- Familiarity with ISO standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
- Knowledge of optical design methods, optical manufacturing methods, and optical test stations.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment
- Chance to make a significant impact on company growth
- Collaborative and supportive work culture
- Compensation range of $100,000-150,000 USD base with commission and bonus opportunities
Business Development Manager
Binding Minds Inc. (Certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise) -
Palo Alto, CA
Technical Business Development - Mining
Applied Intuition -
Sunnyvale, CA
Technical Business Development
Applied Intuition -
Sunnyvale, CA