R&D Manager, Photonics & Laser Systems

Opsydia; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Share option scheme

Annual bonus scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Income protection and life assurance

Enhanced family leave

Pension matching up to 5%

Salary sacrifice arrangement

25 days leave + bank holidays

Cycle to Work Scheme

Mental health & wellbeing support

Professional development support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Opsydia, a laser technology company based near Oxford, seeks a seasoned R&D Manager to steer and coordinate research activities, align with commercial objectives, and deliver on the product roadmap. You will work with the CTO and cross-functional teams to translate complex technical challenges into actionable plans and drive new technologies into reliable products.

You will lead a high‑performing team, manage risk and resources, and foster collaboration with customers and partners to accelerate

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading technical or scientific teams within a complex development environment.
• Strong technical background in photonics, optics, laser processing, precision systems or related technologies.
• Demonstrable track record of innovation, product development and IP generation.
• Excellent project and priority management skills, balancing innovation with delivery discipline.
• Experience translating technical challenges into structured plans with measurable outcomes.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of R&D's role in business growth.
• Ability to communicate priorities and risks to senior leadership and customers.
• Experience representing a company at customer meetings or industry events.
• Degree qualified in Physics, Engineering or Photonics.

Responsibilities

• Own the R&D roadmap and align with company strategy and customer requirements.
• Prioritise and deliver R&D programmes with balanced risk and resources.
• Translate objectives into structured projects with milestones and accountability.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure product development and manufacture transfer.
• Manage project performance, resources and risks with continuous delivery improvement.
• Support IP development, strategic partnerships and customer-facing activities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing R&D team for future growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Photonics/Optics

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication to leadership

Education

Physics/Engineering/Photonics degree

Job description

Opsydia, a laser technology company based near Oxford, seeks a seasoned R&D Manager to steer and coordinate research activities, align with commercial objectives, and deliver on the product roadmap. You will work with the CTO and cross-functional teams to translate complex technical challenges into actionable plans and drive new technologies into reliable products.

You will lead a high‑performing team, manage risk and resources, and foster collaboration with customers and partners to accelerate