Team Leader, Optical Engineering – Ultrafast Fiber and Free-Space Laser Systems

Join us to Make an Impact Innovation is in our DNA. We invented supercontinuum lasers and photonic crystal fibers and we constantly reimagine how our products can be used and improved. Our customers use our products in medical and life science research, quantum computing and space exploration. We seek curious, creative and collaborative people to work in our cutting-edge company. Can you see yourself working in teams and providing solutions for innovators?Team Leader, Optical Engineering - Ultrafast Fiber and Free-Space Laser SystemsAbout the RoleYou will lead the optical engineering team within our Engineering / RD organization and guide the development of advanced ultrafast laser systems, combining fiber-based and free-space optical technologies. Working closely with a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team, you will provide both technical leadership and people management across the full product lifecycle, from early concepts and feasibility studies through industrialization, release, and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine deep laser expertise with team leadership, developing people and technical capabilities while shaping robust, innovative products in a dynamic and international environment.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, manage, and develop a team of optical and laser engineers, setting clear objectives, priorities, and expectationsOwn the team's technical direction and capability roadmap for ultrafast fiber and free-space laser technologiesGuide the design, development, integration, verification, and industrialization of laser systems and optical subsystems across the complete product lifecycleProvide expert technical guidance on laser architecture, optical design, fiber optics, free-space beam delivery, nonlinear optics, pulse characterization, and laser safetyBalance project priorities, resources, and workload across multiple concurrent development and sustaining activitiesEnsure engineering work is executed with appropriate design rigor, including requirements, technical reviews, risk management, verification, design documentation, and change controlDrive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex optical performance, reliability, manufacturability, and field issuesEnsure robust transfer of designs and processes to Operations, including specifications, Bills of Materials, assembly and test instructions, tolerances, and acceptance criteriaDrive cross-functional alignment and decision-making with Systems Engineering, Electronics, Mechanics, Software, Reliability, Project Management, Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and SalesContribute to customer and supplier interactions where deep technical expertise or escalation support is requiredIdentify relevant technology trends and development opportunities, and translate them into practical product and capability improvementsContribute to continuous improvement of engineering methods, tools, standards, laboratory practices, and organizational processesLeadership ExpectationsAct as a role model for engineering excellence, technical integrity, quality, safety, and delivery disciplineProvide effective line management through regular feedback, objective setting, performance and development conversations, mentoring, and coachingBuild team capability through recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, knowledge sharing, and targeted development of technical skillsCreate an inclusive, collaborative environment in which engineers take ownership, challenge constructively, and make evidence-based decisionsDelegate effectively while maintaining appropriate oversight of critical technical decisions and commitmentsCommunicate priorities, decisions, risks, and trade-offs with clarity and transparencyProactively address capability gaps, resource conflicts, technical risks, and organizational barriersFoster a solution-oriented, learning-focused, and results-driven cultureBuild trust and strong working relationships across functions, sites, and external partnersYour Profile QualificationsMaster's degree or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical fieldFormal leadership or management training is an advantageTechnical ExpertiseDeep expert knowledge of laser physics and ultrafast laser technology, with strong relevance to mode-locked fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, and free-space ultrafast optical systemsExtensive hands-on experience with fiber optics and free-space optics, including optical alignment, beam diagnostics, pulse measurement, and systematic troubleshootingStrong understanding of laser system architecture and key design trade-offs involving power, pulse energy, pulse duration, repetition rate, noise, stability, thermal behavior, and reliabilityExperience developing industrial laser products or complex optical instruments from concept through production release and lifecycle supportGood understanding of optical, mechanical, electronic, thermal, control, and software interfaces within complex laser systemsPractical experience with Design for Manufacture and Assembly, tolerance management, supplier interaction, and transfer to productionKnowledge of product safety, laser safety, risk management, configuration management, and disciplined engineering documentationExperience in regulated product development environments, including ISO 13485, is an advantageExperience with optical simulation, data analysis, laboratory automation, or programming tools such as Python, LabVIEW, Zemax OpticStudio, or equivalent is an advantageLeadership and Management ExperienceProven experience leading and developing engineers in a technical RD or product development environmentDemonstrated ability to make sound technical and people decisions while balancing quality, schedule, resources, cost, and technical riskExperience planning team capacity and coordinating multiple concurrent projects, work packages, and sustaining activitiesAbility to remain technically credible and appropriately hands-on while enabling team members to own and deliver their workExperience collaborating across functions and locations in a matrix organizationProfessional SkillsExcellent analytical, experimental, and structured problem-solving capabilitiesStrong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex topics and drive decisionsHigh level of attention to detail and a strong commitment to product quality, reliability, and customer valuePragmatic, resilient, and self-driven, with the ability to manage ambiguity and changing prioritiesStrong organizational skills and the ability to establish focus in a multi-project environmentLanguage SkillsEnglish: business fluency, written and spokenGerman: a plusTravelWillingness to travel up to 10%, including international travelWhat We OfferThe opportunity to lead a highly skilled engineering team working on innovative, high-impact ultrafast laser technologiesA role that combines technical depth, people leadership, and meaningful influence on products, capabilities, and engineering practicesA high degree of independence and ownership, with significant scope to shape the team's direction and developmentA dynamic, growing business environment with strong future potentialA collaborative, informal workplace with experienced colleagues from diverse technical and cultural backgroundsCompetitive employment terms and benefitsGood work-life balanceHamamatsu ("The Company") take responsively for the protection of your personal data. Accordingly, upon receiving your job application and additional material you choose to submit, the Company keeps a safe and secure environment and ensures confidentiality. You also have a role to play in keeping your personal data safe. We request you only submit personal data about yourself in your job application, CV / Résumé or other relevant material you choose to provide to us that is relevant for the specific job opening you are applying for. Please consider whether there is personal information you are about to submit, such as health information, information on family relations, information on trade union membership, etc. that is not necessary for our recruitment process or the job opening you are applying for. Please also be aware that certificates or other documents are not necessary for the vacancy. We urgently request you to redact/cross out such information before you submit your job application. Thank you.Welcome! Help the World's innovators realize their dreams! We embrace uniqueness. With more than 40 nationalities, we are a diverse group. But we have a lot in common. We are curious, respectful, and we aim to make a difference in the World. We need the sharpest minds in the industry to help us accelerate development. Join us! Together, we can make an impact. #J-18808-Ljbffr