Head of Refractive Laser Lifecycle Engineering

Carl Zeiss India (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd.; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS India invites a seasoned leader to head the Lifecycle Engineering function for refractive lasers. You will own end-to-end lifecycle activities for released products, drive architecture, and shape a Germany–India operating model.

The role requires 12+ years in lifecycle engineering within MedTech, strong cross-functional leadership, and hands-on experience with obsolescence, CAPA, and software maintenance. Willingness to travel and work across geographies is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (PhD preferred).
• Proven track record in lifecycle engineering, obsolescence, CAPA, supplier changes, and software maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Own lifecycle engineering of released refractive products (post Gate 5).
• Define and evolve lifecycle roadmaps across product lines; manage obsolescence strategies.
• Oversee supplier-driven changes with risk assessment and implementation; ensure cybersecurity patching.

Skills

Lifecycle Engineering

Offshoring to India

Leadership

Cybersecurity lifecycle

R&D collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Job description

ZEISS in India ZEISS in India is headquartered in Bengaluru and present in the fields of Industrial Quality Solutions, Research Microscopy Solutions, Medical Technology, Vision Care and Sports & Cine Optics. ZEISS India has 3 production facilities, R&D center, Global IT services and about 40 Sales & Service offices in almost all Tier I and Tier II cities in India. With 2200+ employees and continued investments over 25 years in India, ZEISS’ success story in India is continuing at a rapid pace. Further information at ZEISS India.

Reports to: Head of R&D Refractive Lasers (Jena, Germany)

Role Mission

The Head of Lifecycle Engineering (REF) is accountable for establishing and leading a globally integrated Lifecycle Engineering function for ZEISS Refractive Lasers, ensuring long-term product sustainability, regulatory compliance and operational excellence. This role combines end-to-end ownership of lifecycle engineering for released products with the strategic mandate to design and implement a scalable Germany–India operating model.

Strategic Impact

• Ensure uninterrupted product availability despite increasing component obsolescence, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity demands
• Unlock innovation capacity within R&D by transferring sustaining activities into a dedicated Lifecycle Engineering structure
• Build a cost-efficient, scalable engineering capability in India fully aligned with global quality and compliance standards
• Strengthen ZEISS’ global operating model through effective cross-site collaboration and integration

Core Responsibilities

Lifecycle Ownership & Product Sustainability

Assume full accountability for lifecycle engineering of released refractive products (post Gate 5), covering quality, safety, compliance, cost, and timelines Define and continuously evolve lifecycle roadmaps across product lines Lead obsolescence management strategies, including second sourcing and redesign decisions Oversee supplier-driven changes, including technical evaluation, risk assessment, and implementation Ensure robust software maintenance and cybersecurity patching in alignment with global processes (PSIRT/CSIRT) Drive resolution of quality issues including CAPA, non-conformities and field corrective actions Portfolio & Execution Management Own and steer the global sustaining project portfolio Prioritize initiatives based on business impact, regulatory requirements and risk exposure Ensure delivery excellence across time, cost and quality dimensions Establish transparency through KPI-driven performance management

Operating Model & Capability

Build (Project Ettersburg) Architect and implement a Germany–India Lifecycle Engineering operating model in close collaboration with Operations/ Live-Cycle-Management Define scope and roadmap for offshoring activities with clear governance structures Build and scale a multidisciplinary engineering team in Bangalore Institutionalize knowledge transfer, capability development and process standardization Establish clear KPIs, SLAs and performance frameworks across sites

Leadership & Organizational Transformation

Lead and develop high-performing teams across geographies Drive cultural and organizational transformation towards a distributed engineering model Foster a performance-oriented, feedback-driven, and collaborative culture Act as a role model for ZEISS leadership principles and values

Stakeholder & Supplier Leadership

Align lifecycle priorities across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Service and Procurement Navigate and balance trade-offs between cost, compliance, speed and risk Lead supplier interactions including technical alignment and change implementation Own escalation management and resolution in critical situations

Quality, Regulatory & Compliance Governance

Ensure full compliance with applicable standards (ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 62304, MDR, FDA) Establish and enforce robust change control processes Support audits and regulatory interactions globally Drive continuous improvement of lifecycle engineering processes and tools

Candidate Profile

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (PhD preferred)

Professional Experience

12+ years in lifecycle engineering, R&D or systems engineering in MedTech

Proven track record in offshoring engineering activities to India, including operating model design and execution

Demonstrated leadership experience in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural environments

Strong hands‑on experience in lifecycle topics such as obsolescence, CAPA, supplier changes, and software maintenance

Technical & Leadership Capabilities

Deep understanding of complex systems (electronics, mechanics, software)

Strong project and portfolio management capabilities

Structured problem-solving and risk management expertise

Solid understanding of cybersecurity lifecycle requirements

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Leadership Characteristics

Strong ownership mindset with high accountability for outcomes

Pragmatic and solution-oriented approach in complex environments

Resilience and ability to lead through ambiguity and change

Intercultural leadership capability with experience in global teams

Languages & Mobility

Willingness to work in Germany for extended onboarding phase and travel globally

Positioning of the Role

This position represents a key leadership role within ZEISS Medical Technology, sitting at the intersection of R&D, Quality and Operations. It offers the opportunity to shape a globally relevant engineering capability, drive meaningful organizational transformation and directly impact product performance and patient outcomes worldwide.

Company Culture

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That’s just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements.

In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme.

All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long‑term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together.

Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.