VP, Counter Laser & Directed Energy Optics

Cambium; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

401(k) plan with match

Equity opportunity

Job summary

Cambium seeks a dynamic executive to lead Counter Laser & Directed Energy optics, guiding research, development, and production of advanced materials for defense programs. You will steer technical strategy, manage government-funded contracts, and align efforts with Cambium's broader roadmap.

In this senior role, you will build and mentor a team of scientists and engineers, oversee partnerships with sponsors and prime contractors, and drive commercialization from ideation to fielded products,

Qualifications

• Deep technical expertise in optical materials, coatings, or optical system design and fabrication.
• 5+ years leading development and commercial transition of optical products from ideation to manufacturing scale-up.
• 3+ years managing government contracts (DoD, DARPA, or similar).
• Strong cross-functional collaboration between commercial and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Cambium's optical materials R&D program across government-funded contracts and internal R&D.
• Oversee government contracts programs ensuring milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
• Direct development of optical products from concept to production qualification and release.
• Prioritize optics-related initiatives and align with strategic roadmap.
• Mentor and scale a high-performing team of scientists and engineers.
• Identify new business opportunities, including proposals and capture strategies.

Skills

Photonics

LEP

Optical materials

Coatings

Optical system design

Team leadership

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in a related field

Job description

Cambium seeks a dynamic executive to lead Counter Laser & Directed Energy optics, guiding research, development, and production of advanced materials for defense programs. You will steer technical strategy, manage government-funded contracts, and align efforts with Cambium's broader roadmap.

In this senior role, you will build and mentor a team of scientists and engineers, oversee partnerships with sponsors and prime contractors, and drive commercialization from ideation to fielded products,