Head of Optical Systems

Steneg; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Steneg seeks a Head of Optical Systems to lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists developing optical systems, tooling, and metasurface technologies for quantum computing platforms. You will own the technology roadmap from R&D through production, align programs with system requirements, and shape the capabilities needed for next‑gen hardware.

This leadership role demands deep photonics expertise, strong cross‑functional collaboration, and a proven track record delivering

Qualifications

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Responsibilities

• Lead optical systems development from concept through production.
• Oversee assembly tooling, alignment, and testing methodologies.
• Drive roadmaps and multi-year programs aligning with system requirements.
• Mentor engineers and scientists across multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders on trade studies and optimization.
• Ensure quality standards and disciplined execution in R&D to production.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Strategic planning

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/optics

Master's degree or PhD in optics/photonic fields

Tools

Zemax

Code V

LightTools

FRED

CAD environments

Job description

Our client is a technology-oriented deep-tech company developing advanced quantum computing systems and the enabling optical technologies required to scale next-generation hardware architectures. The organization operates at the intersection of quantum physics, optical engineering, photonics, micro-optics, and advanced fabrication, developing complex optical systems and components for demanding quantum computing applications.

Its activities rely on close collaboration between multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists, combining advanced R&D with the engineering discipline required to transition technologies from early concepts into production-ready solutions. The company offers the opportunity to lead a critical technical function, shape long-term photonics and optical technology roadmaps, and develop the people and capabilities required to support future generations of quantum computing systems.

Mission

The Head of Optical Systems will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists developing optical systems, assembly and alignment tooling, and advanced diffractive and metasurface technologies for quantum computing platforms. The role combines people leadership, technology roadmap ownership, and technical direction, guiding multi-year optical development programs from early R&D through production release while building the capabilities, infrastructure, and technical organization required to support future system requirements.

Responsibilities

Optical Technology Strategy and Roadmap

• Own and develop optical and photonic technology roadmaps aligned with future quantum computing system requirements and business priorities.
• Identify critical technologies, innovations, infrastructure, and technical capabilities required to strengthen optical development.
• Guide advanced R&D activities across optical systems, micro-optics, fiber optics, assembly technologies, and diffractive and metasurface solutions.

Optical Systems Development and Industrialization

• Guide and coordinate optical R&D programs from initial concept and technology development through production release.
• Oversee the development of optical systems, alignment and assembly approaches, tooling, and associated testing methodologies.
• Drive the transition of prototype optical technologies, tooling, and processes into robust and production-ready solutions.

Team and Technical Leadership

• Lead a team of engineers and scientists responsible for optical system development, assembly tooling, and advanced optical fabrication activities.
• Establish technical priorities, coordinate execution across multi-year projects, and ensure appropriate engineering practices, quality standards, and requirements are maintained.
• Collaborate closely with technical staff and cross-functional stakeholders on technology development, engineering trade studies, and complex optical challenges.

People and Organizational Development

• Own the career development of direct-reporting engineers and scientists through structured mentoring, coaching, training, and performance management.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent required to expand the organization's optical engineering capabilities.
• Foster an effective R&D environment that encourages technical innovation, collaboration, accountability, and disciplined engineering execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, physics, optics, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience developing optical systems from concept through production.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading optical development projects through the complete lifecycle from concept to production.
• Proven ability to lead and develop engineers and scientists within multidisciplinary technical environments.
• Experience establishing effective engineering practices and coordinating complex R&D programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Must meet applicable U.S. contractual and national-security eligibility requirements associated with the position.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in Optics, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
• Six or more years of experience with optical alignment, assembly, testing practices, and associated tooling.
• Four or more years of experience with alignment and testing of micro-optic and fiber-optic systems.
• Experience leading technical teams distributed across multiple geographic locations.
• Experience with metasurface design and fabrication processes.
• Experience developing prototype optical tooling and processes and transitioning them into production-ready solutions.
• Experience conducting engineering trade studies and working across wavelengths from ultraviolet through infrared.
• Experience with optical modeling tools such as Zemax, Code V, LightTools, or FRED, and familiarity with CAD environments.