Team Leader, Optical Engineering – Ultrafast Fiber and Free‑Space Laser Systems

About the role

You will lead the optical engineering team within an R&D organization, guiding the development of advanced ultrafast laser systems that combine fiber‑based and free‑space technologies. The position spans the full product lifecycle from concept and feasibility studies through industrialisation, release and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a team of optical and laser engineers, setting objectives, priorities and expectations.
• Own the technical direction and capability roadmap for ultrafast fiber and free‑space laser technologies.
• Guide design, development, integration, verification and industrialisation of laser systems and optical subsystems.
• Provide expert guidance on laser architecture, optical design, fiber optics, free‑space beam delivery, nonlinear optics and laser safety.
• Balance project priorities, resources and workload across multiple concurrent development and sustaining activities.
• Ensure engineering work follows rigorous design processes, including requirements, reviews, risk management and documentation.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and resolution of complex optical performance, reliability and manufacturability issues.
• Transfer designs and processes to Operations with complete specifications, BOMs, assembly and test instructions.

Required profile

• Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience leading and developing engineers in a technical R&D or product development environment.
• Hands‑on expertise with fiber optics and free‑space optics, including alignment, beam diagnostics and pulse measurement.
• Experience delivering industrial laser products from concept through production release and lifecycle support.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and analytical problem‑solving skills.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of laser physics and ultrafast laser technology (mode‑locked fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, free‑space systems).
• Expertise in optical design, nonlinear optics, pulse characterization and laser safety.
• Proficiency with optical simulation and analysis tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, LabVIEW and Python.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacture, tolerance management, supplier interaction and production transfer.
• Familiarity with regulated product development (e.g., ISO 13485) and configuration management.

What we offer

• The opportunity to lead a highly skilled engineering team working on innovative, high‑impact ultrafast laser technologies.
• A role that combines technical depth, people leadership and meaningful influence on products and engineering practices.
• High degree of independence and ownership in a dynamic, growing business environment.
• Collaborative, informal workplace with experienced colleagues, competitive employment terms and good work‑life balance.