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

Join us to Make an Impact Innovation is in our DNA. We invented supercontinuum lasers and photonic crystal fibers and we constantly reimagine how our products can be used and improved. Our customers use our products in medical and life science research, quantum computing and space exploration. We seek curious, creative and collaborative people to work in our cutting-edge company. Can you see yourself working in teams and providing solutions for innovators?

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

You will lead the optical engineering team within our Engineering / R&D organization and guide the development of advanced ultrafast laser systems, combining fiber-based and free-space optical technologies. Working closely with a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team, you will provide both technical leadership and people management across the full product lifecycle, from early concepts and feasibility studies through industrialization, release, and continuous improvement.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine deep laser expertise with team leadership, developing people and technical capabilities while shaping robust, innovative products in a dynamic and international environment.

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of optical and laser engineers, setting clear objectives, priorities, and expectations
• Own the team's technical direction and capability roadmap for ultrafast fiber and free-space laser technologies
• Guide the design, development, integration, verification, and industrialization of laser systems and optical subsystems across the complete product lifecycle
• Provide expert technical guidance on laser architecture, optical design, fiber optics, free-space beam delivery, nonlinear optics, pulse characterization, and laser safety
• Balance project priorities, resources, and workload across multiple concurrent development and sustaining activities
• Ensure engineering work is executed with appropriate design rigor, including requirements, technical reviews, risk management, verification, design documentation, and change control
• Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex optical performance, reliability, manufacturability, and field issues
• Ensure robust transfer of designs and processes to Operations, including specifications, Bills of Materials, assembly and test instructions, tolerances, and acceptance criteria
• Drive cross-functional alignment and decision-making with Systems Engineering, Electronics, Mechanics, Software, Reliability, Project Management, Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Sales
• Contribute to customer and supplier interactions where deep technical expertise or escalation support is required
• Identify relevant technology trends and development opportunities, and translate them into practical product and capability improvements
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering methods, tools, standards, laboratory practices, and organizational processes

• Act as a role model for engineering excellence, technical integrity, quality, safety, and delivery discipline
• Provide effective line management through regular feedback, objective setting, performance and development conversations, mentoring, and coaching
• Build team capability through recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, knowledge sharing, and targeted development of technical skills
• Create an inclusive, collaborative environment in which engineers take ownership, challenge constructively, and make evidence-based decisions
• Delegate effectively while maintaining appropriate oversight of critical technical decisions and commitments
• Communicate priorities, decisions, risks, and trade-offs with clarity and transparency
• Proactively address capability gaps, resource conflicts, technical risks, and organizational barriers
• Foster a solution-oriented, learning-focused, and results-driven culture
• Build trust and strong working relationships across functions, sites, and external partners

• Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Formal leadership or management training is an advantage

• Deep expert knowledge of laser physics and ultrafast laser technology, with strong relevance to mode-locked fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, and free-space ultrafast optical systems
• Extensive hands-on experience with fiber optics and…