Research & Technology Business Developer

Job Description:

We are looking for a key player to transform our technological roadmaps into reality by identifying strategic public funding opportunities, building collaborative consortia, and securing public financing for our R&T projects in Spain.

The position is functionally attached to the Head of Engineering Spain (EBST) and reports operationally to the Research and Innovation Leader in Spain (ETR).

Your working environment:

You will be based in Getafe, co-located with other divisions of the Airbus Group. The primary advantage of this location is to foster cross-divisional synergies. You will also be in close contact with AH facilities in Albacete.

You will interact regularly with all other organisations of EBS & ET and within AH (strategy, business, finance, HR, communication, legal...).

Your challenges:

• Funding Intelligence & Strategy: Actively monitor, analyze, and map European (e.g., Clean Aviation, Horizon Europe, EDF), National (e.g., CDTI, MINTUR, SEPIDES, Ministry of Defence/DGAM/PLATIN), and Regional funding landscapes to identify strategic financing opportunities for Airbus Helicopters España.
• Capture & Bidding Management: Lead and drive the capture strategy and preparation of high-quality proposals for public funding, industrial investment, and procurement calls (including R&D grants, CAPEX/industrialization funds, and PPI), ensuring full alignment with our technology roadmaps. Prepare and complete the bidding dossier in complementarity with other research activities performed by AH in Europe.
• Strategic Lobbying & Influence: Actively lobby, influence, and align external public and private stakeholders to defend Airbus Helicopters' technological roadmap and strategy.
• Consortium Building & Alliances: Lead the early-stage setup of proposals and build collaborative consortia, establishing and maintaining relationships with key industrial partners, SMEs, universities, and research centers in Spain and Europe.
• Handover & Coordination: Seamlessly coordinate with the colleagues in charge of R&T projects execution to ensure a smooth transition of proposals from capture to formal contract signature. Support project execution and justification when necessary.
• Technology Alignment: Coordinate globally with AH R&T teams and the Engineering Centres of Competence (CoCs) to map their technological roadmaps and capabilities against available funding mechanisms. Communicate in an appropriate way to various internal stakeholders.
• IP Protection: Under the guidance of the Head of IP, ensure that early-stage consortium agreements and proposal structures safeguard Airbus Helicopters' Intellectual Property rights.

Your profile:

• Experience: More than 10 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years directly dedicated to R&D public funding capture in high-tech, defense, or aerospace sectors.
• Technical Background: Strong aeronautical technical background combined with a solid understanding of complex engineering systems and technology roadmaps.
• Network & Relationships: Extensive and pre-existing network within national and European funding bodies (specifically requiring established contacts within the Spanish Ministry of Defence, DGAM, and DIGEID/PLATIN, alongside other relevant entities like CDTI or MINTUR), as well as with key aerospace and defense sector companies in Spain and Europe.
• Funding Expertise: Proven track record in navigating European programs (Clean Aviation, Horizon Europe, EDF) and National/Regional funding mechanisms (such as CDTI or MINTUR). Experience in collaborative R&D grants is essential. Knowledge of Public Procurement of Innovation processes (PPI) is a plus.
• Mindset & Teamwork: Innovative mindset with a strong "team player" attitude, demonstrated capacity to work in cross-organizational contexts and influence heterogeneous teams.
• Autonomy: Ability to drive complex capture campaigns and orchestrate multi-partner consortia autonomously.
• Language & Culture: Spanish speaker (native) with a deep understanding of Spanish institutions and fluent in English (negotiation level).
• Integrity: A strong commitment to acting with integrity and identifying compliance risks to protect the company's reputation.
• Travel: Availability to travel at a national and European level.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Helicopters España, SA

Employment Type:

Permanent

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Chief Engineering & Architecture

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