Project Manager for Optical Systems (m/w/d)

Jenoptik; Jena; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jenoptik is seeking a Senior Technical Project Manager to lead full-lifecycle optical projects from concept to serial production in a fast-paced, global environment.

You will own critical programs, drive late-stage production transfers, and modernize PM processes with structured governance and clear communication across Engineering, Product Management, and Operations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in technical project management leading optical, opto-mechatronic, or diffractive optics systems through design to serial production.
• Proven track record managing demanding global accounts with executive-level communication.
• Hands-on experience with PSP/8D root-cause analysis during crises or ramp-up.
• Familiarity with PMI/PMP methodologies, scheduling and budgeting tools, and risk management.
• Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; fluent English and good German.

Responsibilities

• Establish robust communication protocols and formal change controls within first 6 months.
• Take operational ownership of late-stage projects, ensuring seamless handover to production.
• Initiate 1–2 new, high-complexity optical programs by month 12 with clear charters, realistic schedules, and cross-functional alignment.
• Lead root-cause investigations (PSP/8D) to protect delivery milestones and minimize cost impact.
• Identify process gaps, introduce modern PM tools/templates, and enable data-driven tracking for better predictability.

Skills

Optical systems

Project management

PSP/8D

Stakeholder diplomacy

Crisis management

PMI/PMP

SAP

Risk management

English (business)

German (business)

Education

Master's in Optical Engineering

Bachelor's in Optical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Scheduling software

Budgeting software

SAP

Risk registers

Job description

The Mission:

We are seeking an experienced, resilient Senior Technical Project Manager to steer complex optical systems through their entire product lifecycle-from early conceptual design and prototyping, through transfer to production, and into series manufacturing.

In this role, you will take immediate ownership of high-impact projects nearing delivery while setting up new customer programs for success. Operating in a fast-paced environment with highly demanding global customers, you will serve as both the execution engine and the protective shield for your development team-balancing aggressive timelines and evolving requirements with structured project governance and clear communication.

Top 5 Performance Objectives:

Within your first 12 months, your success will be defined by the following measurable milestones:

1. Master Demanding Customer Dynamics & Protect Team Velocity

Establish robust communication protocols and formal change management controls within your first 6 months. You will handle demanding clients, short timelines, and floating requirements by converting scope changes into transparent impact assessments (cost, schedule, risk). Your goal is to keep the customer satisfied and informed while shielding the engineering team from constant churn and burnout.

2. Drive Late-Stage Projects to Successful Production Transfer

By Month 6, take full operational ownership of designated ongoing optical system projects. You will navigate design freezes, prototype builds, and qualification phases to achieve a seamless, validated handover to the manufacturing operations team with zero late-stage technical surprises.

3. Architect and Launch 1-2 Next-Generation Programs

By month 12, initiate and baseline new, high-complexity optical development projects as new customer contracts are awarded. You will establish clear project charters, realistic schedules, risk registers, and cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Product Management, and Operations from day one.

4. Lead Critical Project Problem-Solving Activities (PSP)

When technical, supplier, or production transfer bottlenecks arise, step in directly to lead complex root-cause investigations (using structured PSP methodologies). By Month 9, you will successfully resolve at least one major project criticality-protecting delivery milestones, minimizing cost impact, and maintaining customer confidence.

5. Modernize Project Management Processes and Tools

Throughout Year 1, actively contribute to elevating our overall PM discipline. You will identify process gaps, introduce modernized tools and standardized templates, and establish data-driven tracking to improve predictability, reduce administrative friction, and streamline executive reporting.

The Profile of Success:

If you can achieve the performance objectives above, you have the right background. We anticipate the ideal candidate will bring:

• Full-Lifecycle Optical Systems Expertise: 8+ years of technical project management experience leading complex optical, opto-mechatronic, or diffractive optics systems from initial concept through serial production.
• Customer Diplomacy & Resilient Stakeholder Management: A proven track record of managing demanding global accounts. You possess the executive gravitas to negotiate scope, say "yes, and here is the impact" rather than a blind "yes", and maintain team focus under pressure.
• Crisis Management & Problem-Solving Acumen: Hands-on experience leading structured root-cause analysis (PSP/8D) during project crises, supplier failures, or manufacturing ramp-up issues.
• Process & Tool Mastery: Deep familiarity with modern PM methodologies (PMI/PMP), scheduling/budgeting software, SAP, and risk registers, with a passion for process improvement.
• Technical Foundation & Communication: A Master's or Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, combined with business-fluent English and good German skills.

Contact:

Name: Adrija Sarkar

E-Mail: [e-mail]

What we offer:

About Jenoptik

With its Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing, Jenoptik is a global OEM and machine supplier of solutions powered by photonics. Our engineering expertise excels across a broad portfolio in the fields of optic, micro-optics and precision components for the semiconductor equipment industry. Moreover, the SBU addresses the megatrend of digitalization with solutions for optical information and communications technology as well as laser material processing.

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.