Job Description

bout Astral Systems

Astral Systems, Bristol, UK was founded in 2021. Astral has since been focused on developing and commercialising its Multistate Fusion (MSF) platform, that is based on a NASA's published discovery in the phenomenon of Lattice Confinement Fusion (LCF). Astral's mission is to commercialise valuable applications of this groundbreaking advancement in fusion technology. Astral is currently working on optimising, operationalising, and scaling up its MSF platform (devices) as high energy, long-life, neutron sources to serve a broad range of industrial applications that will support a breadth of scientific, engineering and technological applications globally. Astral is dedicated to addressing the global "neutron gap" that has chronically impeded several industries. Astral's approach to addressing this gap will enable transformational progress in the medical, engineering and nuclear waste-management sectors.

Why Join Astral

This role presents a unique opportunity to shape and scale up a next-generation neutron platform by deploying transformational nuclear fusion technology, ushering a new era of democratised nuclear research. The successful candidate will be part of the next phase of Astral's growth journey, as Astral establishes itself as a successful fusion-neutrons capability company.

Role Overview

The Director of Business Development will lead revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion of Astral's neutron irradiation services, MSF reactor sales, and the strategic deployment its MSF platform in select markets. This role will combine deep technical understanding of neutron producing sources, equipment, and irradiation applications with strong commercial execution of nuclear (neutron) irradiation services across broad industrial and research applications and markets.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and drive the full commercial lifecycle: opportunity identification, proposal development, pricing, negotiation, and closing

- Develop and execute business development and commercial strategies that are aligned with the company's strategic objectives

- Identify, qualify, and close new sales/services opportunities across the broad suite of neutron irradiation applications.

- Lead strategic partnerships with radiation effects assessment intermediaries ("Testing Houses") that serve a broad industrial customer base; direct customers including academic researchers.

- Build and manage relationships with key customers, research institutions, government agencies, and industrial partners

- Collaborate with engineering, operations / project delivery teams to align customer requirements/expectation with Astral service delivery capabilities

- Support long-term capacity planning, service portfolio expansion, and capital investment decisions

- Closely monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging neutron-based applications and help shape business strategy

- Represent the company at industry conferences, customer meetings, and strategic forums entrenching Astral in the marketplace and interface with customers.

Technical Scope & Knowledge Areas

- Strong understanding of neutron physics, irradiation principles and operations

- Highly proficient with workings of accelerator-based neutron sources and both the fission and fusion-based (D-D and D-T) neutron landscape

- Knowledge of the applications of fission- and fusion-energy neutron spectra and flux requirements

- Applications may include - materials testing, isotope production, semiconductor chips irradiation, nuclear data validation, defence, and advanced reactor (fission/fusion) material testing and manufacturing

- Working knowledge of neutron irradiation facilities, shielding, activation, and regulatory considerations as they relate to customers' applications

Qualifications & Experience

- 10+ years of progressive experience in B2B and B2G business development, commercial leadership, or strategic sales in the field / domain. Strong commercial and business background is a must

- Proven track record of generating and shaping opportunities, closing complex and technically involved deals

- Experience within nuclear technologies, accelerator systems, fusion technologies, as they relate to irradiation services

- Strong understanding of global nuclear markets, customers, and procurement processes in multiple sectors, ranging from defence/security, aerospace, electronics, (nuclear) reactor material testing and design applications

- Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering/Sciences, or other related Engineering/Technology. Business, or related field is a plus

Core Competencies

- opportunity identification, proposal development, pricing, negotiation, and closing; you are a rainmaker

- Strategic thinking with hands-on commercial execution mindset

- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into customer value propositions, both ways i.e. from Astral a Customers and (also) from Customers a Astral

- Experienced in negotiating agreements and contracts,

- Well-honed stakeholder management skills and adept in cross-functional collaboration within Astral and with the customer base

Strong executive-level and stakeholder communication and presentation skills

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 65,000.00-95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking Work from home
Work Location: Remote