Business Development Manager at Apera AI Inc (Michigan)
Apera AI Inc· Michigan·
Role details
Job description
Apera is an innovative, Vancouver-based company at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision — recognized with the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award and the 2024 BC Tech "Company of the Year, Growth" award. We're on a mission to redefine AI-driven robotic vision.
Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera's software have 4D Vision — the ability to see and grasp objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. We work with the world's leading automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
Our portfolio spans Vue (our 4D Vision software), Forge (a no-code simulation and AI training studio where customers build, validate, and de-risk robotic cells before any hardware is bought), and VuePod, our new turnkey, productized bin-picking cell.
Let's End Robot Blindness
Robots can do remarkable things, if they can see. We're Apera AI. Our 4D Vision platform turns blind robots into intelligent, adaptable workers. But that transformation doesn't happen without the right people, especially those who open new doors and help manufacturers see what's possible.
We're hiring a Business Development Manager for our Michigan and Ohio territory. If you've spent years building relationships with Tier 1 automotive suppliers, plant engineers, and OEM operations teams and you know how to navigate a complex, multi-stakeholder sales environment, this is the role you've been building toward.
What You'll Actually Do
- Hunt and close. Identify, qualify, and close six-figure deals with automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and industrial OEMs across Michigan and Ohio.
- Build a territory from the ground up using AI-powered lead intelligence, account-based outreach, and a rigorous qualification process.
- Lead technical-commercial conversations with plant engineers, quality directors, and automation leaders to uncover real problems and propose real solutions.
- Develop ROI models and customized proposals that translate Apera's 4D Vision capabilities into operational value for each customer.
- Collaborate with Solutions Engineering on POC scopes, demos, and deployment planning.
- Grow strategic accounts, one plant win becomes a multi-site program.
Why This Is a Career Move, Not Just a Job
- You will own a territory at the center of North American automotive manufacturing, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, and everything in between.
- You'll sell technology recognized by Frost & Sullivan, AAM, and BC Tech for transforming automation globally.
- Equity from day one and a growth path at a Series A company hiring deliberately and moving quickly.
- Every deal means faster production lines, safer factory floors, and smarter robots doing real work for real manufacturers.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of B2B business development or technical sales in industrial automation, machine vision, robotics, or manufacturing technology.
- Proven track record of building pipeline from scratch and closing long-cycle, solution-based deals with Tier 1 manufacturers or OEMs.
- Comfortable on plant floors and in executive conversations - you can engage process engineers and VP-level buyers in the same day.
- Experience collaborating with engineering teams on proposals, POC designs, and system demonstrations.
- Deep familiarity with the Michigan and Ohio manufacturing landscape.
- Willingness to travel 50-70%.
Bonus Points
- Direct experience selling to Tier 1 automotive suppliers (Magna, Lear, Aptiv, BorgWarner, Martinrea, Dana, and similar).
- Background in machine vision, 3D vision, or robotics automation software.
- Experience using AI tools for lead generation, pipeline management, or deal forecasting.
Why Apera?
- Every employee is an owner - equity for all from day one.
- Well-funded Series A to fuel ambitious product roadmaps and US market expansion.
- A team that moves fast, shares openly, and gives you the tools to win.
- Trusted by automotive Tier 1 suppliers and leading industrial manufacturers globally.
Annual Compensation: $90,000–$110,000 base salary | $175,000–$210,000 OTE
If you're ready to bring Apera's 4D Vision and show the automotive industry what robots can truly see - let's talk
Why work at Apera AI Inc
- Culture: Highly technical engineering environment at the intersection of manufacturing and AI/ML/DL. The team collaborates closely and is close to customer needs with a clear roadmap. Values include continuous learning, problem-solving, and rewarding ability with growth opportunities.
- Impact: Employees can affect the path of the company and see their work implemented by the world’s leading manufacturers.
- Compensation & Benefits:
- Generous stock option package
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
- 3 weeks paid vacation
- Flexible working hours and work from home options
- Great Vancouver location in Gastown, close to public transit
- Team: Strong engineering team working on robotics, 3D math, simulation, computer vision, deep learning, software engineering, cloud computing, and UI. Described as a “technically rich environment” where work crosses boundaries.
- Diversity: Welcomes people of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, and abilities.