Autonomous Edge Business Development Manager (Germany)

To support our growth ambitions in Germany, we are looking for an Autonomous Edge Business Development Manager to identify, develop, and expand strategic R&D collaboration opportunities across automotive, robotics and humanoids, aerospace, and security markets.

imec is at the forefront of autonomous semiconductor innovation, combining leadership in chiplet architectures, advanced packaging, ecosystem collaboration, and European semiconductor infrastructure to enable the next generation of intelligent edge systems.

Your Role

As an Autonomous Edge Business Development Manager, you will initiate and develop strategic partnerships with leading companies across the semiconductor and autonomous edge ecosystems.
Your mission is to identify market opportunities, build long-term relationships, and develop collaboration models that accelerate innovation in advanced semiconductor and system technologies. You will leverage imec's established automotive chiplet and sensing programs while helping shape future autonomous edge technology and partnership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and expand strategic partnerships with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, semiconductor IDMs, foundries, and leading system providers.
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities for collaborative R&D initiatives within the autonomous edge ecosystem.
• Define and structure collaboration models in close partnership with technical, IP, and legal stakeholders.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations and secure agreements for R&D programs and joint development initiatives.
• Foster long-term relationships with partners, ensuring successful collaboration outcomes and high stakeholder satisfaction.
• Work closely with technical teams to align market needs, business objectives, and technology roadmaps.
• Represent imec at industry events, trade shows, conferences, and customer engagements, acting as an ambassador for imec's autonomous edge vision and capabilities.
• Monitor market trends, competitive developments, and emerging technology opportunities to help shape future strategic directions.
• Contribute to the development of business strategies and ecosystem partnerships that support the growth of imec's autonomous edge portfolio.
  
  

You will report to the Director Autonomous Business and work closely with the SVP Autonomous Edge and the Managing Director of imec Germany GmbH.

What We Offer

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

We are looking for a commercially driven professional who combines strong relationship-building skills with a passion for innovation and emerging technologies.
You bring:

• A collaborative mindset and team-oriented approach. You thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and are motivated to help build imec's position in the autonomous edge ecosystem.
• A Master's degree in engineering, electronics, physics, or a related field, combined with strong business acumen in automotive and autonomous edge markets.
• Strong interest in, or experience with, semiconductor and system technologies.
• Demonstrated success in business development, strategic partnerships, or sales within semiconductor-enabled markets. Experience in automotive R&D collaboration is a plus.
• Experience with automotive, robotics, aerospace, security, or adjacent high-tech industries. Experience in collaborative R&D environments is a strong advantage.
• Understanding of technology commercialization, business models, and intellectual property licensing.
• The ability to engage effectively with technical leadership while negotiating commercial and contractual terms.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence in discussing technical, legal, and business topics with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial attitude, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel approximately 30-40%.
• Fluency in German and English. Additional European languages are considered an asset.