Director, Design & Engineering

JENOPTIK Smart Mobility Solutions, LLC; Florida; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading photonics company is seeking a Design & Engineering Director to lead its team in Jupiter, FL. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in optical product development and a strong leadership background. Responsibilities include collaborating with global teams to optimize resources and driving digital transformation. A Master's or PhD in Optical Science or Physics is preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in optical product development.
• Experience in supervisory roles in international environments.
• Demonstrable project management knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead a local design team and ensure resource optimization.
• Foster collaboration with global development teams.
• Drive digital transformation within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Project Management

Optical Design

Customer Orientation

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

MS and/or PhD in Optical Science or Physics

Doctorate in Natural Science or Engineering

Job description

Jenoptik is an international photonics group with representatives in over 80 countries. Optical technologies are the foundation of our business. We employ around 4,000 people worldwide.

Join our team and help to shape our future with lasting effect.

Job ID: 4514

Location: Jupiter, FL, US

The role of the Design & Engineering Director will lead the local Design & Engineering team at Jenoptik Optical Systems in Jupiter, FL, and will be responsible for ensuring the optimal availability and development of resources and expertise in optical design, opto-mechanical construction, and metrology development. This role will require collaboration with worldwide development sites to maintain uniform quality of Design & Engineering (D&E) expertise and continuously develop technical competencies and product technologies to meet current and future product requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO):

• The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of leadership and team management, with a focus on developing and promoting employees to achieve their full potential.
• Provide overall leadership and development of the Design & Engineering area, including alignment with global entities, to ensure optimal team performance and efficiency.
• Lead a team of 4 direct reports and a team of 15‑20 indirect reports, with responsibility for personnel development and promotion by expanding flexibility and skills.
• Foster technical cooperation and coordination with Jenoptik's worldwide development organizations to drive business success.
• Ensure optimal availability and utilization of expertise and resources for product development, in coordination with global management.
• Develop and implement product technology advancements through internal and funded development projects with internal and external partners, including selection and coordination of external specialist resources.
• Develop, safeguard, and leverage know‑how and intellectual property (IP), and prepare decision templates, functional specifications, and reports on competence building and product technology development.
• Apply and continuously improve established development processes and tools, in close coordination with global entities, to drive development excellence.
• Lead the digital transformation in the D&E landscape, including change management, in cooperation with global entities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• MS and/or PhD degree in optical science or physics, preferred. A doctorate in natural science or engineering is an advantage, and an advanced degree in mechanical engineering/precision engineering may be considered with sufficient experience working in the field of precision optics.
• 10+ years professional experience in the development of optical, micro‑optical or microsystems products or product technologies.
• Long‑term personnel responsibility of development departments, ideally in an international business environment with several specialist groups.
• Demonstrable knowledge of project management and patent law.
• Ideally, international experience in Europe and/or Asia.
• Expertise in the fields of optics, optical design, optoelectronics, microsystems technology and in the design and testing of system solutions.
• Methodological competence with strengths in conceptual work, planning and organization, presentation and handling of information.
• High social competence as well as willingness to take responsibility and reliability.
• Excellent communication skills and customer orientation.
• Must possess the following “soft skills”: attention to detail, clear communicator, customer focus, negotiation, prioritization/multitasking, problem‑solver/decision‑maker, team player.
• Occasional travel, domestic and international (up to 10%).
• US Citizenship or Qualified U.S. Worker, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use of hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and keyboarding; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

About Jenoptik

At Jenoptik, people with the specific JENIUS character are changing the world with the power of light. That demands a spirit of exploration and dedication. If you’re one of us, come meet the challenges facing the world. At Jenoptik, we’re creating a better future for all of us.

The Advanced Photonic Solutions division of Jenoptik is a global OEM and machine supplier of solutions powered by photonics. Our engineering expertise excels across a broad portfolio of technologies in the fields of optics, laser technology, digital imaging, optoelectronics, sensors, as‑well‑as optical test and measurement equipment.

In the Semi & Advanced Manufacturing strategic business unit, we serve our customers with high‑performance optical systems differentiated by uncompromising precision. In close collaboration with our customers we develop application‑tailored beam‑shaping optics, outstanding microoptics and opto‑mechanical assemblies. Off‑the‑shelf F‑theta lenses complement our offering.

Have we made you interested in this position?

If so, we look forward to receiving your online application.

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.