Optical Manufacturing & Technology Lead

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Brussel Hoofdstad

On-site

EUR 110,000 - 150,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Commuting reimbursements

Hospitalization insurance

Group insurance

35 vacation days per year

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

International work environment

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites an experienced leader to head the B-PHOT Extreme Optics Pilot Line. You will oversee daily operations, guide a multidisciplinary team of experts, and drive advanced manufacturing and metrology projects from concept to production.

The role combines technical leadership with strategic development in one of Europe’s premier photonics hubs, offering a permanent full-time position and substantial opportunities for growth within B-PHOT and VUB.

Qualifications

Master's degree in engineering disciplines relevant to photonics and manufacturing.
5–10 years of experience in advanced manufacturing, photonics, or high-tech environments.
Experience operating or developing manufacturing and metrology infrastructures.
Solid CAD/CAM knowledge and related tooling.
Experience with ultra-precision machining, diamond turning, replication tech, optical assembly, or metrology is a strong asset.
Proven experience supervising technical teams and coordinating multidisciplinary activities.
Excellent written and oral English; Dutch knowledge is an asset or can be developed.
Experience interacting with industrial clients, tech transfer projects, or R&D programs is advantageous.
Demonstrated leadership, ability to coach, motivate, and develop technical talent.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to drive multiple projects and resources.

Responsibilities

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