Head of Laser development

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Laser Development to lead the development of next-generation laser systems for advanced industrial and scientific applications.

You will take responsibility for the technical direction, development strategy and execution of complex laser R&D projects, leading a multidisciplinary team of laser physicists, optical engineers and development specialists.

The successful candidate will combine extensive hands-on laser development expertise with proven technical leadership, taking innovative laser concepts from initial feasibility through prototyping, validation and industrialisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team specialising in laser technology, photonics and optical systems.
• Take overall technical responsibility for the design, development and optimisation of advanced laser sources and systems.
• Drive new laser development projects from initial concept and feasibility studies through prototyping, testing and production readiness.
• Oversee the development of solid-state, fibre, diode-pumped, ultrafast and high-power laser technologies, as relevant to the product portfolio.
• Manage laser system architecture, optical resonator design, beam delivery, thermal management and system integration.
• Guide the development and optimisation of laser performance parameters, including output power, beam quality, pulse duration, stability and efficiency.
• Establish and improve laboratory testing, laser characterisation, optical alignment and validation procedures.
• Define technical development roadmaps, project milestones, budgets and resource requirements.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electronics, software, manufacturing and applications engineering departments.
• Support the transition of laser technologies from R&D into scalable and reliable manufacturing.
• Lead technical problem-solving activities involving complex laser systems and optical components.
• Maintain responsibility for technical documentation, quality standards and laser safety requirements.
• Work closely with senior management to define long-term technology strategy and identify new development opportunities.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or PhD in Physics, Laser Technology, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of professional experience in laser development, optical engineering or photonics R&D.
• Several years of experience leading technical teams, R&D departments or complex multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Extensive knowledge of laser physics, optical system design and laser development processes.
• Strong hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting laser systems in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with relevant laser technologies, such as:
• Solid-state and diode-pumped lasers
• Ultrafast and femtosecond laser systems
• High-power laser systems
• Fibre lasers and optical amplifiers
• Laser beam delivery and optical resonators
• Strong understanding of laser characterisation, optical alignment, beam diagnostics and performance optimisation.
• Experience with optical simulation and design tools such as Zemax, OpticStudio, COMSOL or similar.
• Knowledge of thermal effects, optical coatings, nonlinear optics and laser-material interactions.
• Proven ability to lead projects from early-stage research through prototype development and industrialisation.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and technical decision-making skills.
• Fluent German and English.