Head of Product Development

STR Group Limited; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in High Wycombe seeks a Head of Product Development with extensive experience in X-ray detector technologies. The successful candidate will lead a technical team and oversee product innovation from concept to production, ensuring alignment with market objectives. This senior leadership role offers a competitive salary between £80k-£90k and significant influence over product strategy.

Benefits

Benefits package

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in X-ray detector development or semiconductor physics.
• Proven track record leading a technical/scientific team (5-10 engineers/scientists).
• Demonstrable experience managing projects from R&D concept to commercial product.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the product development roadmap for X-ray detectors.
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional technical team.
• Oversee design, optimisation, testing and validation of detector products.

Skills

Technical communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science

Job description

Head of Product Development

Location: High Wycombe (on-site)  
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 + benefits

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Product Development to lead the technological direction and team responsible for next generation XRF and EDS detector products. This role combines hands-on scientific/engineering capability with strategic leadership, overseeing both new product innovation and enhancements to existing detector platforms.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, shaping the development roadmap, driving technical excellence and ensuring smooth delivery from concept through to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the product development roadmap for X-ray detectors and associated technologies
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional technical team (scientists, engineers, and process specialists)
• Oversee the design, optimisation, testing and validation of new and existing detector products
• Troubleshoot technical challenges relating to detector physics, performance and manufacturability
• Align technical direction with wider business objectives and market opportunities
• Collaborate with external partners and suppliers on component development and innovation
• Ensure ISO-aligned development processes and maintain robust technical documentation

About You

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline
• 10+ years' experience in X-ray detector development, semiconductor physics or equivalent high-end sensing technology
• Proven track record leading a technical/scientific team (5-10 engineers/scientists)
• Demonstrable experience managing projects from R&D concept to commercial product
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical communication skills
• Knowledge of SDDs or semiconductor detector design, low-noise electronics, vacuum systems or cryogenic/Peltier cooling is highly advantageous

What This Role Offers

• Significant influence over product strategy and technical direction
• The opportunity to lead innovation in a specialist, high-technology field
• A senior leadership role combining deep technical input with people development
• Competitive salary of £80k-£90k plus benefits package