the client is seeking a senior Director of Advanced Optics & Productization to bridge advanced optical engineering with real-world manufacturing execution. This leadership role will help shape how complex optical technologies move from concept to scalable production, while building a strong technical team and influencing future product strategy. The position is focused on delivering high-impact outcomes across advanced optical innovation and production readiness.
Key responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams in the design, validation, and launch of advanced optical products, from early feasibility through manufacturing scale-up. The director will translate research concepts into manufacturable optical assemblies, balancing performance, yield, cost, and schedule, and will guide optical, opto-mechanical, and test strategy for precision systems used in demanding environments. The role also involves establishing development frameworks for feasibility analysis, tolerance budgeting, verification planning, and root cause resolution, and driving technical reviews, risk assessments, and lifecycle decision-making.
The director will build and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning optics, mechanics, electronics, and product realization disciplines, and will partner with operations and supply chain leaders to strengthen process readiness, supplier capability, and production transfer plans. Responsibilities may also include using modeling and simulation approaches to improve structural, thermal, and optical performance prior to physical builds, and supporting intellectual property development, technical roadmaps, and investment planning for next-generation optical platforms. The role is expected to require deep expertise in optical systems and opto-mechanical design, typically supported by an advanced degree and extensive experience leading complex optical product development, including people leadership; familiarity with tolerance analysis, design for manufacturability, and CAD/simulation environments is expected, along with strong communication skills, sound technical judgment, and comfort collaborating across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams.