Freelancer (m/f/d) with defense background wanted – for Business Development & Partnerships in the defense-tech environment

We are the Defense Tech Incubator NRW – a new initiative to support innovative startups in defense technology. Our goal: to connect the best minds and technologies with industry, public actors, and investors – enabling sustainable innovations for security-relevant applications.

To strengthen our operational team, we’re looking for an experienced individual from the defense sector – ideally with experience as a Bundeswehr officer or through long-term work at one of the leading system houses (e.g., Rheinmetall, Hensoldt, MBDA, etc.).

• Your tasks:

• Identification, outreach, and acquisition of potential partner companies (including industry, defense, and IT)

• Building and maintaining this investor network

• Co-developing our financing strategy for the incubator

• Representing the incubator at industry events, trade shows, and in networks

• Supporting the establishment of strategic alliances at state and federal levels

• Background as a Bundeswehr officer (current or former) or several years of experience at a leading company in the defense and security industry
• Understanding of defense ecosystems, procurement processes, and stakeholder landscapes in Germany/Europe
• Entrepreneurial mindset and high self-motivation
• Excellent communication skills to engage with industry, mid-sized companies, startups, and policymakers
• Willingness to work in a hybrid setup (1x per week on-site in Düsseldorf)