Head of Optical Manufacturing & Technology - Pilot Line

Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Elsene; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive commuting reimbursement

Hospitalisation and group insurance

Up to 35 vacation days per year

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites applications for the Chief Technology Manager - Optics Pilot Line. You will lead the B-PHOT Extreme Optics Pilot Line, overseeing daily operations and guiding development, prototyping, and metrology activities within a premier photonics research environment.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team, engage with researchers and industrial partners, and drive strategic improvements while ensuring high standards of quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering Technology or Engineering Sciences is required; PhD is an asset.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in advanced manufacturing, photonics, or related high-technology environments.
• Experience with operation, management, or development of advanced manufacturing and metrology infrastructures.
• Solid understanding of CAD/CAM environments, precision manufacturing technologies, and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and technical guidance to the team.
• Coordinate activities related to optical design, ultraprecision manufacturing, and metrology.
• Ensure safe, reliable operation of the pilot-line infrastructure.
• Contribute to strategic development and continuous improvement of capabilities.
• Collaborate with researchers and industrial partners to translate concepts into manufacturable solutions.
• Support technology transfer and R&D programs at regional and international levels.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, and continuous learning.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

English proficiency

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Project coordination

Quality assurance

Industrial engineering

Education

Master's degree in Engineering Technology or Engineering Sciences

PhD is an asset

Tools

CAD/CAM environments

Optical metrology equipment

Ultraprecision machining

Job description

Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites applications for the Chief Technology Manager - Optics Pilot Line. You will lead the B-PHOT Extreme Optics Pilot Line, overseeing daily operations and guiding development, prototyping, and metrology activities within a premier photonics research environment.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team, engage with researchers and industrial partners, and drive strategic improvements while ensuring high standards of quality and safety.