Technical Program Manager - Digital Twin of Eye - R&D

Alcon; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon seeks a Program Manager to drive the Digital Twin of the Eye, leading multiphysics modeling initiatives and AI/ML integration to advance patient-focused eye care solutions. You will collaborate with R&D leaders to shape strategy, manage cross-functional teams, and oversee external partners to deliver on ambitious milestones.

You will guide verification/validation efforts, ensuring accuracy and reliability across complex simulations, while aligning with Alcon’s product goals and timelines.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Multiphysics Simulation experience, especially in medical devices.
• 2+ years applying AI/ML to simulations and data-driven modeling.
• 3+ years of demonstrated project leadership and management.
• Experience with biological tissue modeling and ocular physiology is a plus.
• Proficient use of FEA/CFD tools such as ANSYS and Siemens applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital Twin of the Eye program and define the strategic roadmap for digital twin capabilities.
• Partner with R&D leaders to set objectives, work plans, and cross-functional milestones.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal and external teams across modeling/simulation workstreams.
• Establish verification and validation methodologies to ensure scientific and technical accuracy.
• Manage external partnerships with academic, industry, and vendor resources, including budgets and risk assessments.

Skills

Multiphysics Simulation

AI/ML in Simulation

Technical Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

MS in Mechanical/Biomedical

Tools

ANSYS

Siemens

Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact on the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. Alcon is looking to hire a Program Manager-Digital Twin of eye to join our Modeling and Simulation Team. You will be responsible for leading the advancement of the Digital twin of eye project, partner with key Alcon leaders to establish future strategy and direction, develop network of resource partners to accomplish project goals.

Digital Twin of Eye is a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) driven research and development project, specifically in the area of computational human eye model development to support R&D device / therapy development and interaction with human eye.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Lead Alcon’s vision for a Digital Twin of the Eye, developing physically realistic multi-physics models that accurately simulate ocular physiology and interactions with Alcon products and systems.
• Define the strategic roadmap and future direction of digital twin capabilities in alignment with R&D objectives across multiple technology platforms.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in Computational Modeling & Simulation (FEA, CFD) and leverage AI/ML methods to advance simulation-driven engineering and innovation.
• Assess model credibility and establish robust verification and validation methodologies to ensure scientific and technical accuracy.
• Partner with R&D leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to define objectives, develop work plans, and build modeling/simulation capabilities that support strategic business and product goals.
• Establish and manage external partnerships, including academic, industry, and vendor resources, while overseeing project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and milestone execution.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal and external teams, driving digital twin workstreams through successful completion.
• Ensure projects meet timelines, quality standards, accuracy requirements, and delivery expectations.
• Gather and document requirements, manage vendor activities, and review deliverables to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Build strong relationships and influence technical leaders, simulation analysts, and external partners to drive effective decision‑making and collaboration.
• Lead innovative problem‑solving efforts for complex technical challenges while maintaining a customer‑focused approach and championing Alcon values.
• Collaborate with and influence project leaders to advance simulation‑driven product development, with accountability for outcomes and business impact.

What You Will Bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

Other Qualifications:

• Mechanical/Biomedical (M.S.+8 yrs;)
• Demonstrated 8 years of expertise in Multiphysics Simulation methods and applications to medical devices and therapies. 2+ years of experience using AI/ML with simulations
• 3 Years of demonstrated project leadership and management experience
• Experience in biological tissue modeling. Advanced knowledge of ocular physiology is a plus
• Demonstrated expertise in use of various M&S tools from providers such as Ansys, Siemens to healthcare applications

How You Can Thrive at Alcon:

• See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities
• Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more!

See your impact at: alcon.com/careers

Compensation and Benefits

Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short‑term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.

Pay Range

130,900.00 - 169,400.00

Pay Frequency

Annual

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.