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Business Development Manager – Thin Film Solar

Reports To: Vice President of Sales – Thin Film

Location: North America, Remote (Cupertino, CA preferred)

About Vital

Vital is a global leader in advanced materials, thin-film technologies, and critical material recycling. We partner with the world's leading photovoltaic manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and research organizations to develop materials supporting next-generation solar technologies.

Position Summary

Vital is seeking a Business Development Manager – Thin Film Solar to grow our business within the global photovoltaic industry. Reporting to the Vice President of Sales – Thin Film, this role is ideal for an engineer or technical professional with approximately 5 years of experience in thin-film photovoltaics who is interested in transitioning into a customer-facing commercial role.

The successful candidate will leverage their technical knowledge to develop new business opportunities, build customer relationships, and support the commercialization of materials used in Perovskite, HJT, CdTe, and tandem solar technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business opportunities across the thin-film photovoltaic supply chain.
• Build relationships with solar manufacturers, equipment suppliers, material suppliers, and research organizations.
• Support customer qualification programs from initial engagement through commercialization.
• Coordinate technical and commercial discussions between customers and Vital's global engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare quotations, forecasts, and customer presentations.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activity.
• Represent Vital at customer visits, conferences, and industry events.
• Travel approximately 25–40%, including international travel.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in photovoltaics, thin-film deposition, semiconductor materials, vacuum coating, or a related industry.
• Strong technical aptitude with an interest in business development and customer engagement.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working with global teams.

Preferred Experience

Experience with one or more of the following:

• Perovskite photovoltaics
• HJT or CdTe solar
• Tandem solar technologies
• PVD sputtering, evaporation, ALD, or CVD
• Thin-film materials or high-purity chemicals
• Sputtering targets or evaporation materials

Who You Are

You're naturally curious, enjoy working with people, and are energized by solving customer challenges. You have a solid technical foundation and understand the photovoltaic industry, but you're looking for an opportunity to apply that knowledge in a commercial role where you can help shape business strategy, build customer relationships, and drive growth.

Why Vital?

• Join a global leader in advanced materials and critical metals.
• Work directly with the companies developing the next generation of solar technology.
• Be part of a fast-growing business supporting Perovskite, HJT, CdTe, and tandem photovoltaics.
• Build a long-term career with opportunities to grow into broader commercial leadership roles.