The Business Development Engineer (BDE) is responsible for driving revenue growth by combining technical expertise with customer engagement. This role focuses on identifying, developing, and supporting application-driven opportunities while providing technical guidance to customers and internal teams.
The BDE works closely with customers to understand application requirements and translate them into optical and photonics solutions using Edmund Optics (EO) products and capabilities. In addition, the BDE provides feedback to product management and engineering teams to support the development of new products and enhancements aligned with market needs.
Essential Functions
Technical Engagement & Market Support
Engage directly with customers to understand application requirements and recommend appropriate optical/photonics solutions.
Act as a technical advisor to customers and internal teams on Life Science Optics products and applications.
Develop application knowledge across optics and photonics industry.
Support creation of technical content for marketing campaigns, application notes, and product collateral.
Deliver technical training to internal teams and customers.
Opportunity Development & Sales Support
Identify and develop new business opportunities by aligning EO capabilities with customer technical needs.
Collaborate with regional sales teams to support customer visits, technical discussions, and solution development.
Provide technical expertise during customer meetings, presentations, and negotiations.
Assist in managing and advancing the sales funnel.
Support strategic account development through engineering engagement and solution-based selling.
Evaluate technical feasibility and alignment of opportunities with EO product capabilities and strategy.
Product & Application Feedback
Gather and analyze customer feedback to identify trends of applications and technologies.
Work closely with Product Line Managers and Engineering teams to influence product development and roadmap decisions.
Identify gaps in current product offerings and propose new solutions or enhancements.
Stay current on emerging technologies, competitors, and industry trends.
Industry Engagement
Represent EO at technical conferences, trade shows, and industry events.
Build relationships with engineers, researchers, and technical decision-makers.
Contribute to establishing EO as a trusted technical partner in the industry.
General
Comply with all federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
Qualifications
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Required Skills & Abilities
Strong technical knowledge of optics/photonics
Ability to translate customer application needs into optical system or component solutions
Experience in customer-facing technical roles (e.g., applications engineering, field engineering, or technical sales)
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
Ability to collaborate across engineering, sales, and product teams
Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Customer-focused mindset
Comfortable working in a matrix organization
Proficiency with MS Office tools
Education/Experience
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
Minimum 3–7 years of experience in photonics, optics, or related technical industry
Experience in applications engineering, systems engineering, or technical business development preferred
Physical Requirements
Ability to travel up to 50% (domestic and occasional international travel)
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