Head of Optical Manufacturing – Photonics Pilot Line

B-PHOT Brussels Photonics

Brussel Hoofdstad

Hybrid

EUR 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Commuting expenses reimbursement

Hospitalization insurance

Group insurance

35 vacation days per year

Flexible working arrangements

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Brussels Photonics team at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) seeks a Manager of Optical Manufacturing and Technology to lead the Extreme Optics Pilot Line, overseeing daily operations and driving technology development, prototyping, manufacturing and metrology.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers and industrial partners, translate concepts into manufacturable solutions, foster continuous improvement, and report to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Engineering Technology or Engineering Sciences with specialisation in Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanics, Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electronics, Industrial Engineering or related field.
A PhD is considered an asset.
5–10 years of relevant experience in advanced manufacturing, photonics, precision engineering, optics, or related high-technology environment.
Solid understanding of CAD/CAM environments, precision manufacturing technologies, and industrial production workflows.
Experience with ultra-precision machining, diamond turning, replication technologies, optical assembly and metrology is an asset.
Experience in supervising technical teams and coordinating multidisciplinary activities is desirable.
Excellent written and oral communication and reporting skills in English; Dutch knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to the team operating the Extreme Optics Pilot Line.
Coordinate and supervise activities related to optical design, ultraprecision manufacturing, replication technologies, assembly, testing, and metrology.
Ensure safe, reliable operation of the pilot-line infrastructure.
Contribute to strategic development and continuous improvement of manufacturing and metrology capabilities.
Collaborate with researchers and industrial partners to translate concepts into manufacturable solutions.
Support technology transfer, industrial projects, and collaborative R&D at regional, European, and international levels.
Identify opportunities for process optimization and operational excellence across the pilot line.
Foster a culture of quality, innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.