Business Development Engineer

Please note this is a home‑based role with extensive UK & EU travel

About Us

Solsta’s Design & Manufacturing Division specialises in the development and production of advanced optoelectronic and photonic systems for biomedical and diagnostic instrumentation, defence electro optical applications, and laser rangefinder (LRF) technologies. We partner with OEMs across the UK, Europe, and North America to design, prototype, validate, and manufacture complex assemblies that demand precision, reliability, and deep technical understanding.
Our capabilities span optoelectronic module design, sensor integration, laser systems, optical packaging, and full NPD/NPI execution under ISO13485 aligned processes. Customers rely on us to translate challenging technical requirements into manufacturable, high performance solutions.

Solsta is also a major distributor of electronic components and systems, giving the wider Group a strong market presence. However, the Design & Manufacturing Division operates a distinct commercial and technical model, focused on customer funded development programmes rather than catalogue based distribution. You will be joining this specialist engineering led division, working closely with customers developing next generation biomedical devices, diagnostic platforms, defence systems, and LRF technologies.

The Role

Reporting to the Commercial Manager – Design & Manufacturing, you will identify, develop, and progress opportunities for customer‑funded design and manufacturing projects. You will represent Solsta with technical credibility at industry events, engage prospects, qualify opportunities, and guide customers through feasibility, proof‑of‑concept, detailed design, validation, and NPI.

You will act as the primary customer interface throughout the development lifecycle, coordinating with engineering, project management, and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate scoping, costing, and delivery. Once products transition to BAU production, opportunities will be handed over to an account manager, with commission continuing for an agreed period.

This role is ideal for a technically strong engineer or physicist who enjoys customer interaction, problem‑solving, and shaping early‑stage product concepts. Extensive traditional sales experience is not a requirement and is a secondary consideration to strong technical depth and a willingness to adopt the Solsta Design & Manufacturing Division’s commercial approach.

This role is distinct from Solsta’s distribution sales roles and requires a technical, consultative, project‑driven approach rather than catalogue‑based selling.

Key Responsibilities

Market Engagement & Lead Generation
• Identify, plan, attend, and exhibit at relevant industry events across the UK and Europe.
• Engage prospects with technical credibility as both attendee and exhibitor.
• Generate and qualify leads aligned with Solsta’s design and manufacturing capabilities.

Opportunity Development
• Follow up on leads promptly and progress them to structured project initiation.
• Understand customer applications, pain points, and technical requirements, translating them into clear internal briefs.
• Take ownership of opportunities already generated and partially matured by the Commercial Manager.

Customer Interface & Project Progression
• Act as the primary point of contact for customers throughout feasibility, POC, design, validation, and NPI.
• Coordinate with engineering and project management to scope and cost projects accurately.
• Maintain structured communication with customers, ensuring clarity and expectation management.

Commercial Structuring & Internal Collaboration

• Support the creation of costed proposals and commercial justifications.
• Apply structured commercial discipline – Qualifying opportunities, managing expectations, and maintaining a clear, realistic pipeline.
• Maintain accurate and timely CRM records to support forecasting and reporting.
• Ensure smooth handover to account management once products transition to BAU.

Performance & Outcomes

Success will be measured by:
• Establishment and progression of a high‑quality project pipeline.
• Conversion of opportunities into funded development programmes.
• Delivery of projects into BAU production.
• Revenue and gross‑margin generation, including an 18–36‑month BAU tail (TBD).

Key Skills & Experience

Essential
• Strong technical foundation in optoelectronics, photonics, biomedical instrumentation, diagnostics, or optical defence systems.
• Broad technical literacy across optics, electronics, mechanics, and systems engineering, with the ability to learn quickly in unfamiliar domains.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Curiosity, humility, and willingness to learn Solsta D&M’s commercial methodology.
• Comfortable operating autonomously in a home‑based role, managing time, travel, and customer engagements with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple concurrent opportunities.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and influencing progress in situations where not everyone moves at the same pace. Able to maintain a constructive, solutions‑focused approach when faced with resistance or competing priorities.
Desirable
• Experience in applications engineering, field service, systems engineering, or customer‑facing technical roles.
• Experience with NPD/NPI processes.
• Familiarity with regulated or quality‑driven environments (ISO13485, defence standards, etc.).
• Exposure to costing, scoping, or early‑stage product development.
• Eligibility for UK security clearance (BPSS or higher) advantageous.

 

Benefits For You

• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
• Pensions Plan
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• All Employee Share Plan

We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.