Sales Development Representative (Pre-sales) - Internship

Job Description

? Location: Lausanne, Switzerland 
? Start Date: January 2026 
? Languages Required: English & Spanish/German (Fluent) 

Are you ready to revolutionize the clean energy space while building a meaningful career? 

Join SmartHelio, a Y Combinator-backed deeptech startup headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and help reshape solar energy performance using cutting-edge AI and advanced diagnostics. 

SmartHelio is on a mission to make solar energy truly sustainable by reducing energy losses and improving asset reliability. We've been recognized globally, including as a “Best for the World” company by B Corporation. Learn more at www.smarthelio.com. 

 

? About the Role 

We are looking for a dynamic and driven Sales Development Representative (SDR) to join our team at our Swiss office. This role starts as a 6-month internship, with the potential to transition to a full-time position. You will be focusing on pre-sales activities, identifying and engaging potential clients across Europe and Africa, setting up demo calls, and building relationships with prospects. 

This position is ideal for a fresh graduate or early-career professional (maximum 3 years of experience) who is enthusiastic about clean energy and sales. You don’t need to be a technical expert in photovoltaics (PV), but if you have some exposure to the solar or energy industry, that’s a plus.

Tasks

? Key Responsibilities 

• Develop a strong understanding of SmartHelio’s AI-driven products and their value propositions for clients in the solar energy industry. 
• Proactively identify and engage with potential customers across Europe and Africa. 
• Set up calls and meetings between prospects and our Account Executives (AEs). 
• Manage a pipeline of prospects, tracking activity and ensuring timely follow-up. 
• Establish strong, long-term relationships with both technical and business stakeholders. 
• Keep accurate records of leads, opportunities, and interactions in HubSpot CRM. 
• Occasional support to market team members for various activities. 

Requirements

✅ Your Profile 

• Experience: 1-3 years of B2B experience in sales, customer-facing roles, or client outreach. 

• Industry Knowledge: While technical knowledge (e.g., PV experience) is a plus, it's not required. A passion for clean energy and the willingness to learn are key. 

• Languages: Fluent in English, with additional proficiency in Spanish or German. 

Skills: 

- Strong communication skills—able to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

- An entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable working in a startup environment and eager to take initiative. 

- A natural problem solver with the ability to understand client needs and align them with SmartHelio’s solutions. 

- Proactive, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively. 

Travel: Willingness to travel across Europe and potentially abroad for client meetings or conferences. 

Conditions

? Why Join Us 

• Salary: CHF 1’500/month + performance-based bonuses.

Equity: Possibility for ESOPs (when hired full time).

• Career Growth: High growth opportunity with a chance to evolve into a full-time position and leadership roles as the company expands.
• Mission-Driven: Work in a fast-paced startup that is solving real-world climate challenges with cutting-edge technology.
• Work Environment: Be part of a global team across Switzerland, India, and the US.
• Exposure: Hands-on experience with AI and solar technology, working with an innovative team. 

 

? How to Apply 

Send your CV and a short cover letter to: 

[email protected] and [email protected] 

CC: [email protected]