Business Development Intern / Business Development Interness

Business Development Intern at Tethys Robotics

100%, Zurich, permanent

Tethys Robotics develops innovative underwater robotic solutions for inspection missions in challenging conditions. We serve clients such as large asset operators and industrial service providers operating in high-demand sectors including offshore wind, oil and gas, as well as maritime security, ammunition detection, and search & rescue.

We are supported by the Wyss Zurich Translational Center (Wyss Zürich), a unique accelerator program embedded within ETH Zürich and the University of Zürich.

Job Description

As a Business Development Intern at Tethys Robotics, you will work directly with the executive management and closely collaborate with our team and external partners. You will support the implementation of our underwater robotic solutions into customer operations by assisting in identifying potential partners and customers, preparing market analyses, and contributing to relationship building in the offshore energy and infrastructure sectors. You will also gain hands-on exposure at international conferences, demonstrations, and customer meetings.

Your main tasks include:

• Supporting the identification and outreach to new customers in the international offshore market
• Assisting in the development of market- and customer-specific strategies (e.g., reseller, agencies, distributors)
• Preparing and contributing to presentations, proposals, and contract drafts in collaboration with the management team
• Conducting market research and competitor analysis to provide insights to the team
• Supporting the organization of product demonstrations, trade shows, and customer visits (online and on-site)
• Helping maintain and update the CRM and sales pipeline

This internship will provide you with valuable insights into international business development in a high-tech startup environment, while offering the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of subsea robotics.

Profile

• Strong interest in business development, sales, or marketing within high-tech or maritime industries
• Curiosity about offshore energy, underwater robotics, and emerging inspection technologies
• Good communication skills and confidence to interact with diverse stakeholders
• Structured, proactive working style with motivation to support a fast-paced startup team
• Ability to research markets, analyze competitors, and summarize findings for the team
• Flexibility to occasionally join international fairs, customer meetings, or offshore demonstrations
• Comfortable working in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus
• Basic technical affinity (interest in robotics, sensor technology, or maritime systems)

Bonus Points if You Bring:

• Previous internship or student project in sales, business development, or maritime/tech sector
• First experience with CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce)
• Interest in robotics, engineering, or renewable energy topics
• Willingness to get involved hands-on during product demos and events

Workplace

Join us in a modern office located in the heart of Zurich where you'll thrive in a young, dynamic, high-performance, and passionate team.

We Offer

• Opportunity to develop a key role within a rapidly expanding high-tech company
• A strategically important position at an early stage, allowing you to actively contribute to the company’s success
• Streamlined decision-making processes, flat startup hierarchies, and modern working methods that cultivate great ideas
• International work environment including frequent business travels
• Attractive compensation including success provisions in a startup environment

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about Tethys Robotics and Wyss Zurich can be found on the websites Tethys Robotics and Wyss Zurich. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Gallus Kaufmann via gallusk@ethz.ch.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.