Lead R&D Engineer (m/f/d) - Optical Fiber Interconnects in Achim

About ficonTEC

At ficonTEC, we develop automated assembly and test solutions that enable next-generation photonic devices for AI data centers, high-performance computing, co-packaged optics, and optical I/O technologies. As a global technology leader in photonics manufacturing automation, we combine precision engineering, optical expertise, and innovation to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to industrial scale.

We are looking for a Lead R&D Engineer Optical Fiber Interconnects (m/f/d), immediate & full time, to take technical ownership of our fiber interconnect activities, guide a small development team, and advance innovative technologies from concept to industrial application. This role is an ideal next step for experienced engineers who want to grow into technical leadership while remaining hands-on in R&D.

Your responsibilities

As Lead R&D Engineer, you will combine hands-on engineering with technical leadership. You will take technical ownership of our fiber interconnect activities, guide a small interdisciplinary development team, and help turn innovative concepts into robust, manufacturable solutions.

This is a technical leadership role, not a purely managerial position: you will stay close to the technology, actively contribute to development work, and at the same time coordinate people, projects, priorities, and technical decisions.

You will:

• Provide technical leadership for a small interdisciplinary team working on optical fiber interconnect technologies, set priorities, and support colleagues in solving complex technical challenges
• Drive the development of advanced fiber interconnect technologies and automated manufacturing solutions for fiber optic cable assemblies
• Take ownership of R&D projects and work packages, including planning, technical decisions, resource coordination, stakeholder alignment, and delivery
• Stay hands-on in R&D by developing and evaluating hardware concepts, assembly processes, and manufacturing approaches for fiber handling, alignment, and integration
• Plan and review experiments, analyze results, and translate findings into robust product and process improvements
• Shape the technology roadmap for fiber interconnects together with R&D management and Product Management
• Collaborate with customers, research partners, suppliers, and interdisciplinary teams to bring new technologies from concept to industrial application
• Coach and mentor engineers and technicians and help create an open, accountable, and results-oriented engineering culture

Your profile

• Master's degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Typically 3+ years of relevant industrial experience in photonics, fiber optics, optical packaging, telecom/datacom, high-precision automation, connector technologies, or cable/fiber assembly
• Strong hands-on engineering skills and enthusiasm for experimental development and laboratory work
• Experience taking ownership of technical projects or work packages, combined with the motivation to guide and develop other engineers
• Sound technical judgement, analytical problem-solving skills, and a pragmatic approach to turning ideas into working solutions
• Confident communication and the ability to align colleagues, customers, and technical stakeholders
• Excellent English communication skills; German language skills are an advantage

You do not need to match every point. If you have a strong engineering background and are ready to grow into technical leadership, we would like to hear from you.

Not from a traditional photonics background?
That's not a problem. We explicitly welcome experienced engineers from precision automation, fiber processing, optical connector technology, cable assembly, and other precision manufacturing environments who want to move into advanced photonics manufacturing.

We offer

• Security and Flexibility for Your Future: Permanent employment contract, flexible working hours, and an attractive compensation package including a company pension scheme
• Work on Technologies That Shape the Future: Contribute to cutting-edge photonics technologies for AI applications, data centers, and next-generation optical communication solutions
• Variety Instead of Routine: Exciting international projects and customers from a wide range of industries
• A Great Start and Opportunities for Tomorrow: Structured onboarding as well as diverse opportunities for professional and personal development
• Everything You Need for Modern Working: High-quality technical equipment, fitness offers, bike leasing, and attractive employee discounts
• Family-Friendly Benefits in the form of a childcare allowance
• Celebrating Success Together: Regular company events

Ready to shape the future of photonic connectivity?

Join ficonTEC and help develop the next generation of optical fiber interconnect technologies powering AI, high-performance computing, and tomorrow's digital infrastructure.
Take ownership, drive innovation, and contribute to bringing breakthrough technologies from concept to industrial reality.

Accept the challenge and apply with your CV, cover letter, and salary expectations.

Learn more about ficonTEC at:
www.ficontec.com