Head Of Product Development

Insignis; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in High Wycombe is seeking a Head of Product Development to drive the innovation and development of next-generation X-ray detectors. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team and manage product strategy, requiring extensive experience in X-ray detector development and technical leadership. The role offers a competitive salary between £80k and £90k along with benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in X-ray detector development or high-end sensing technology.
• Proven track record leading a scientific team of 5-10 engineers/scientists.
• 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.
• Collaborate with external partners on component development and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science

Tools

Low-noise electronics

Vacuum systems

Cryogenic/Peltier cooling

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