Join the POPCORN project! Seeking a Head of BizDev (10+ yrs) to launch our EIC-funded semiconductor test startup. Lead fundraising & GTM strategy to bridge research to market. Immediate impact!
Job description
The POPCORN project aims to revolutionize semiconductor testing by developing a cutting-edge Device-Aware Testing (DAT) platform for emerging memories such as STT-MRAMs and RRAMs. By integrating physical defect modeling directly into the test flow, POPCORN enhances outgoing chip quality and reliability while optimizing overall test costs. The platform enables faster and more accurate diagnosis and yield learning, reduces in-field failures in various critical applications, and strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry through scalable, industry-ready solutions.
Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition program, POPCORN is designed to bridge the “valley of death” between laboratory-validated research and a market-ready industrial solution. Over the course of the project, we will advance from a TRL 4 proof-of-concept to a fully functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP): a high-performance, automated Computer-Aided Test (CAT) suite which can be seamlessly integrated into standard EDA flows. Beyond software development, a key project outcome is the establishment of the startup’s core team: a high-caliber, entrepreneurial group where domain collaborate with business-oriented professionals to create an investment-ready commercial venture.
CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS
We are expanding the POPCORN team and are seeking a visionary Head of Business Development (10+ years of experience) who will build the company’s business foundation, drive customer discovery, and ensure funding continuity.
ROLE AND RESPONSABILITIES
The selected candidate will:
- Develop and refine the go-to-market strategy for the company’s MVP and early product offerings.
- Foster a startup culture of innovation, agility, and operational excellence.
- Lead venture fundraising, investor relations, and M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) initiatives, positioning the company for its next funding round within 2–3 years.
- Define and execute the growth strategy and business roadmap, ensuring alignment with technical milestones.
- Build customer-focused processes to achieve and maintain strong product–market fit.
- Help in driving customer and partner engagement with semiconductor companies, EDA vendors, IP providers, and ecosystem stakeholders.
- Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to guide strategic business decisions.
Job requirements
Background
- MBA or a technical degree (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering) with substantial business experience in semiconductors, EDA, or deep tech industries.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in business development, product management, or corporate strategy within deep-tech environments.
- Proven track record of co-founding or scaling startups, ideally as part of a founding or leadership team that achieved successful growth or exit.
- Demonstrated success in venture fundraising, strategic partnerships, and M&A activities.
- Experience building customer-centric operations and managing global business relationships.
Technical skills
- Ability to bridge technical and commercial domains, understanding product constraints and customer requirements.
- Skilled in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and business strategy execution.
- Experience in negotiating commercial agreements, building strategic partnerships, and managing investor relations.
Soft skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset, proactive, and comfortable with uncertainty.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills. A strong network in the semiconductor and EDA ecosystem is a plus.
- Strategic thinker who can translate market insights into actionable plans.
Availability
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
- A job of 24 hours per week.
- A salary based on Scale 14 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €6835 - €8673 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Dr. Said Hamdioui, via S.Hamdioui@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 17 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- 1-page Motivation letter tailored to the position you are applying
- Your CV
You can address your application to Prof. Dr. Said Hamdioui.
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named POPCORN, with project number 01213161, within program HE-EIC
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
