About the role
Aktyvus Photonics develops advanced laser and electro-optical solutions for defense applications. Our technologies are already being integrated into UAV, handheld, and other mission-critical platforms across Europe. We build systems that are not theoretical - they are designed to work in real operational environments.
We are looking for a Chief Commercial Officer to take over and scale a founder-led commercial function. This is not a pure management role. It is a hands-on commercial leadership position for someone who can build trust in a high-stakes market, work strategic accounts directly, and help shape the commercial organization from the ground up.
A large part of success in this role will come not just from selling technology, but from earning credibility. Our customers buy performance, integration capability, and confidence. The person in this role must be able to represent the company with authority in front of senior stakeholders across OEMs, integrators, defense companies, and government environments.
This role has direct impact on strengthening European and allied defense capabilities through advanced photonics and electro-optical technology.
What you will do
- Own and lead the commercial function, taking over from a founder-led sales setup
- Define and execute the commercial strategy across defense and related high-tech markets
- Personally manage and advance strategic opportunities and key accounts across long and complex sales cycles
- Build trusted relationships with OEMs, integrators, platform manufacturers, defense primes, and government stakeholders
- Lead business development across multiple customer segments, from technical component sales to broader electro-optical system opportunities
- Help structure and prioritize inbound demand, outbound activity, and strategic account development
- Represent Aktyvus Photonics in high-level meetings, international exhibitions, partner discussions, and customer visits
- Lead major proposals, tenders, negotiations, and commercial discussions in close cooperation with engineering, finance, and leadership
- Translate market insight into commercial action, including positioning, prioritization, and market expansion
- Help build the commercial operating model, ways of working, and future team structure
What we are looking for
- Strong commercial leadership (5+ years) experience in defense, aerospace, photonics, electro-optics, deep tech, or another complex technical B2B/B2G environment
- Proven ability to build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders in long-cycle, high-value sales
- Experience owning strategic opportunities and key accounts directly, not only managing teams
- Ability to operate in ambiguity and build structure where processes are still evolving
- Strong ownership mindset and willingness to carry both strategic and hands-on responsibility
- Confidence working with technically sophisticated products and engineering-led teams
- Experience with tenders, proposals, negotiations, and long sales cycles is a strong advantage
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis
- University degree in business, engineering, or a related field
Strong advantages
- Existing network in defense, aerospace, or related European security ecosystems
- Experience selling into NATO-country markets or allied defense environments
- Background in photonics, lasers, electro-optics, or other technically demanding hardware categories
- Experience building or rebuilding a commercial function after founder-led sales
What we offer
- A high-impact role in a defense technology company building products with real operational relevance
- The opportunity to shape and scale the commercial function, not just inherit it
- Direct exposure to strategic international customers, partners, and programs
- A fast-moving, straightforward working culture with close cooperation across leadership and technical teams
- Flexibility in how the role is structured for the right person
- Competitive compensation package with base salary and variable component