R&D Manager — Photonics & Laser Systems

Opsydia Limited; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Share options

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Income protection

Life assurance

Enhanced family leave

Pension contributions

25 days leave

Cycle to work

Mental health support

Training support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Opsydia Limited in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead and coordinate our research and development activities for a next‑generation laser processing platform. You will ensure projects are prioritised, resourced and delivered in line with commercial objectives, customer commitments and the product roadmap.

Working with the CTO and cross‑functional teams, you will drive innovation through structured project delivery, translate technical objectives into milestones, manage

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.
• Track record of innovation, product development and/or IP generation.
• Excellent project and priority management skills.
• Experience translating technical challenges into structured plans with measurable outcomes.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the role of R&D in supporting business growth and customer commitments.
• Ability to communicate priorities, risks and trade‑offs to senior leadership and customers.
• Experience representing a company at customer meetings, conferences or industry events.
• Degree qualified in Physics, Engineering, Photonics or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Own the R&D roadmap, ensuring alignment with company strategy, customer requirements and commercial priorities.
• Prioritise and deliver R&D programmes, balancing innovation, technical risk and resource allocation.
• Translate technical objectives into structured projects with clear milestones, deliverables and accountability.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration to ensure successful product development and transfer to manufacture.
• Manage project performance, resources and risks while driving continuous improvement in delivery practices.
• Support IP development, strategic partnerships and customer‑facing technical activities.
• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing R&D team, building capability for future growth.

Skills

Team leadership

Photonics

Product development

Project management

Planning

Cross-functional leadership

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder communication

Customer engagement

Education

Physics/Engineering/Photonic degree

Job description

Opsydia Limited in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead and coordinate our research and development activities for a next‑generation laser processing platform. You will ensure projects are prioritised, resourced and delivered in line with commercial objectives, customer commitments and the product roadmap.

Working with the CTO and cross‑functional teams, you will drive innovation through structured project delivery, translate technical objectives into milestones, manage