Vice President of Sales and Business Development

About Lidwave

Lidwave is a Jerusalem-based deep-tech startup building the sensing layer for Physical AI. Our 4D coherent LiDAR-on-a-chip uses proprietary technology on a Silicon Photonics platform to give machines the ability to perceive the world in four dimensions on chip scale. Our Odem™ product family targets automotive, security, and industrial applications. We’re not building another sensor. We’re building the next generation of machine perception.

The Role

This role owns the full commercial cycle — from defining market entry strategies and building client relationships through pilot validation to deal closure and revenue growth. You’ll report directly to the CEO. Day-to-day, you’ll be mapping the competitive landscape, managing sales operations, running validation pilots, and negotiating contract terms. We need someone with a big-picture mindset — a self-driven leader who gets things done.

Key Responsibilities

- Market Discovery & Pipeline -

• Identify and prioritize targets: automotive OEM sensing teams, tier-1 suppliers, system integrators, security companies, and industrial inspection firms.

• Build a structured pipeline from first contact through PO. Develop territory strategy (Israel, Europe, APAC).

• Track the competitive landscape and position Lidwave’s differentiation clearly against alternatives.

- Technical Communication & Marketing -

• Translate complex LiDAR and photonics technology into clear value propositions for non-technical decision-makers.

• Create and own customer-facing materials: pitch decks, one-pagers, product briefs, and ROI frameworks.

• Represent Lidwave at industry events and trade shows including managing booth logistics and exhibition planning together with external contractors.

• Drive PR and media relations: prepare press materials, coordinate media appearances, and build Lidwave’s public profile.

• Bring customer feedback and market needs back to the R&D team to guide product decisions.

Pilot Management & Deal Closure

• Own end-to-end pilot process: scope, success criteria, timeline, coordination with customer engineering.

• Convert successful pilots into LOIs, framework agreements, and production commitments.

• Negotiate and close commercial agreements. Own pricing strategy in collaboration with CEO.

Partnerships & Fundraising Support

• Develop strategic partnerships: OEM co-development, integration partners, and adjacent markets.

• Support fundraising with market intelligence, customer traction data, and materials for investors.

Requirements

- Must Have -

• 5+ years B2B sales/BD in deep tech: semiconductors, photonics, sensors, or automotive electronics.

• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets and driving business growth.

• Track record closing complex, long-cycle deals ($500K+) with OEMs, tier-1s, or large industrials.

• Technical literacy — able to discuss LiDAR architectures and photonic circuits at a conceptual level.

• Experience managing validation pilots or PoC projects as part of the sales process.

• Flawless English — written and spoken, at a native or near-native level.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills — able to write compelling proposals, customer briefs, and press materials, and to present confidently to executives, media, and investors.

• Academic degree required. MBA or B.Sc. in engineering/science is an advantage.

• Willingness to travel internationally (25%).

• Hands-on experience with CRM tools (HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar) for pipeline management and reporting.

• Self-starter who builds, not inherits.

- Nice to Have -

• Automotive LiDAR or industrial sensor experience.

• Previous first commercial hire at a venture-backed startup.

• SiPh / coherent optics background. Existing tier-1 OEM relationships.