Research & Technology Business Developer

About the role

Airbus Helicopters España is looking for a Research & Technology Business Developer to turn its technological roadmaps into reality by identifying strategic public funding opportunities, building collaborative consortia and securing public financing for R&T projects in Spain. The position is functionally attached to the Head of Engineering Spain and reports operationally to the Research and Innovation Leader in Spain. It is based in Getafe, near other Airbus Group divisions and close to AH facilities in Albacete.

Key responsibilities

• Funding intelligence and strategy: monitor and map European (e.g. Clean Aviation, Horizon Europe, EDF), national (e.g. CDTI, MINTUR, SEPIDES, Ministry of Defence) and regional funding landscapes to find financing opportunities.
• Capture and bidding management: lead the capture strategy and prepare high-quality proposals for public funding, industrial investment and procurement calls (R&D grants, CAPEX/industrialization funds, PPI), aligned with technology roadmaps.
• Strategic lobbying and influence: lobby and align public and private stakeholders to defend the technological roadmap.
• Consortium building: set up proposals early on and build alliances with industrial partners, SMEs, universities and research centres in Spain and Europe.
• Handover and coordination: coordinate with colleagues responsible for R&T project execution to move proposals from capture to contract signature, and support project execution and justification when needed.
• Technology alignment: coordinate with global R&T teams and Engineering Centres of Competence to match roadmaps and capabilities to funding mechanisms.
• IP protection: under the guidance of the Head of IP, ensure early-stage consortium agreements and proposal structures protect Airbus Helicopters' intellectual property.

Required profile

• More than 10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years directly in R&D public funding capture in high-tech, defence or aerospace.
• Strong aeronautical technical background and understanding of complex engineering systems and technology roadmaps.
• Extensive network with national and European funding bodies, including established contacts in the Spanish Ministry of Defence, DGAM, DIGEID/PLATIN, CDTI and MINTUR, and with aerospace and defence companies in Spain and Europe.
• Proven track record in European programs (Clean Aviation, Horizon Europe, EDF) and national/regional funding; collaborative R&D grant experience is essential; knowledge of PPI is a plus.
• Innovative, team-oriented, able to work across organisations and influence heterogeneous teams, and able to run capture campaigns and consortia autonomously.
• Native Spanish speaker with a deep understanding of Spanish institutions, fluent English at negotiation level, and availability to travel nationally and in Europe.
• Commitment to integrity and awareness of compliance risks.