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A leading photonics technology company based in Jena is seeking a Senior Engineering Director to take ownership of engineering strategy, technical leadership, and delivery across its core product portfolio. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced engineering leader ready to shape the future direction of a market‑leading photonics business.

The Role

• Lead and scale a multidisciplinary engineering organisation (optics, photonics, electronics, software/systems integration)
• Own technical strategy and roadmap, translating business objectives into engineering execution
• Drive innovation across next‑generation photonics products, from R&D through to industrialisation
• Build, mentor, and develop engineering managers and senior technical staff
• Partner closely with C‑suite, product management, and manufacturing to ensure delivery against commercial goals
• Represent engineering at board/leadership level and act as a key voice in strategic decision‑making

About You

• Proven track record in a senior engineering leadership role (Director / Head of Engineering level), ideally within photonics, optics, semiconductors, or a related deep‑tech/hardware environment
• Strong technical grounding in photonics, optical systems, or adjacent precision engineering disciplines
• Experience leading and scaling engineering teams through growth or complex product cycles

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• Fluent German and professional English essential
• Comfortable operating hybrid, with regular presence in Jena

What's on Offer

• €150,000 – €220,000 base salary (dependent on experience), plus benefits package
• Hybrid working arrangement>
• Genuine influence over the technical and strategic direction of a leading photonics business
• Opportunity to build and shape a high‑performing engineering organisation