Work on space and 6G
Contribute to THz components for satellite links, future wireless networks, imaging, sensing, and research systems.
Career
Shape the future of THz technology with us
Join Lepto to help build advanced THz devices for space communication, 6G infrastructure, imaging, sensing, and research systems.
Why join Lepto
Build meaningful deep-tech with a focused team
Lepto is an Empa spin-off working at the intersection of THz science, applied engineering, manufacturing, and real-world system integration.
Move research into products
Help turn advanced THz science into practical, manufacturable, integration-ready devices.
Small team, real ownership
Join a focused deep-tech startup where technical decisions, experiments, and execution matter from day one.
Opportunities
Open positions
We are looking for experienced people who can help bring Lepto’s ultra-thin passive THz components into space, telecommunications, and real-world system integration.
Open role
Head of Business Development
Dübendorf / Zurich, SwitzerlandSpace & Telecommunications
About Lepto
Lepto GmbH is an Empa spin-off developing ultra-thin passive terahertz (THz) optical components: filters, polarizers, diffraction gratings, and beamsplitters. Our components are orders of magnitude thinner and lighter than existing alternatives, require no active power, and are designed for integration into demanding space, telecom, and data center systems.
The role
You will own Lepto’s commercial strategy and execution in the space and telecom verticals. This is a first commercial hire in a deep-tech startup: you will work directly with the founding team, build our customer pipeline from the ground up, and be the face of Lepto with system integrators, prime contractors, and equipment manufacturers. This is not a strategy advisory role. You will be expected to generate qualified leads, negotiate commercial agreements, and close. You will also contribute to grant and consortium proposals where commercial traction is required.
Responsibilities
Map the target customer landscape in satellite systems, passive remote sensing, and 6G/sub-THz telecom infrastructure; identify and prioritize accounts.
Build and manage a qualified pipeline of system integrators, prime contractors such as Airbus Defence & Space, Thales Alenia, RUAG, OHB, and equivalents, and Tier-1 telecom equipment vendors.
Drive the commercial process from first contact through NDA, technical engagement, and LOI or purchase order.
Represent Lepto at key industry events, ESA supplier days, and telecom industry forums.
Articulate Lepto’s technology value proposition to both engineering and procurement stakeholders.
Collaborate with the founding team on product roadmap decisions informed by market requirements.
Support grant and consortium proposals such as ESA, Horizon Europe, and Innosuisse where demonstrated commercial traction strengthens the application.
Feed market intelligence back into Lepto’s strategy for prioritization across verticals.
What you bring
5 to 10 years of experience in space systems, satellite communications, or telecom infrastructure in a commercial, business development, or sales role.
An existing network inside ESA’s supply chain, satellite prime contractors, or Tier-1 telecom equipment manufacturers.
A track record of closing technically complex B2B deals with long procurement cycles.
The ability to read and engage with technical material at the component or subsystem level. You do not need to be a THz physicist, but you need to earn credibility with engineers.
Experience navigating IP-sensitive engagements, NDAs, and consortium agreements.
Comfort operating with high autonomy in a small, fast-moving team where the role is largely self-directed.
Fluent English; German or French is a plus.
What we are not looking for
Generalist startup BD or growth profiles without vertical domain knowledge in space or telecom.
Strategy consultants who produce market analyses but have not personally closed deals with ESA prime contractors or equivalent.
Candidates who need an established team, pipeline, or product marketing infrastructure to operate.
What we offer
A technically differentiated product with paying institutional customers including Max Planck Institut, PSI, ETH Zürich, and CNRS, plus active inbound interest from space and telecom players.
Direct access to the founding team and genuine influence over commercial strategy.
Flexible engagement model: fractional or part-time to start, with a path to a full-time role and meaningful equity as the company grows.
The opportunity to build a commercial function from the ground up in one of the few European deep-tech companies active in passive THz photonics.
How we work
Lepto is a small, high-trust team. We prioritise psychological safety: every person’s perspective is heard, disagreement is welcomed, and mistakes are treated as information rather than failure. We believe the best technical and commercial decisions come from open, honest exchange — and that a culture of candour is a competitive advantage in deep tech. This means we are looking for someone who is as strong a collaborator as they are a closer. You will work closely with the founding team on strategy, technical positioning, and customer approach — not in parallel to them. If you thrive in environments where ego takes a back seat to collective problem-solving, you will fit well here.
Hands-on engineering
Research-backed decisions
Fast iteration
Space and telecom focus
Application process
Show us who you are beyond the CV
01
Choose a role
Select the opportunity that best matches your background, interests, and the type of contribution you want to make at Lepto.
02
Upload your CV
Send us your CV so we can understand your education, experience, technical skills, projects, and previous work.
03
Record a 3-minute intro
Tell us who you are, what motivates you, and why you are interested in Lepto. No production quality needed — just be yourself.
04
We review your application
Our team reviews your profile and follows up with the next step depending on the role, timing, and current hiring needs.
Join the mission
Want to help build the THz future?
Send us your CV, LinkedIn profile, or a short note about your background and interests.