Chief Technology Manager

Chief Technology Manager - Optics Pilot Line

Category: Management & Professionals

1 - Working at the VUB

For almost 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and connectedness. These values are strongly present on our campuses, in our students as well as our staff. At the VUB, you’ll find a diverse collection of personalities: pure innovators and especially people who are 100% their authentic selves. With about 3.500 employees, we are the largest Flemish-speaking employer in Brussels, an international city with which we are all too happy to be connected, and around which our four campuses are located.

2 - Position Description

The Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has been at the forefront of photonics research, technology development, and innovation for more than 30 years.

Through its unique Extreme Optics Pilot Line, B-PHOT offers a complete value chain for the design, prototyping, manufacturing, characterization, and validation of advanced optical and opto-mechanical components and systems. Combining state-of-the-art optical design capabilities, ultraprecision manufacturing platforms, replication technologies, and a dedicated optical metrology cleanroom, B-PHOT is internationally recognized as a leading centre of excellence in extreme optics and photonics engineering.

B-PHOT currently brings together more than 70 experts, including researchers, engineers, and technology specialists, working closely with industrial and academic partners across Europe and beyond. More information can be found at www.b-phot.org. To discover our facilities at the VUB Photonics Innovation Campus in Pajottegem, visit www.b-phot.org/360.

As Manager of Optical Manufacturing and Technology, you will hold a pivotal leadership position within the B-PHOT Extreme Optics Pilot Line. You will oversee the daily operation of the pilot-line infrastructure and ensure the successful execution of technology development, prototyping, manufacturing, and characterization activities.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of technology experts and serve as a key link between researchers, engineers, industrial clients, and strategic partners. Your role combines technical leadership, operational management, and people development within one of Europe's most advanced photonics innovation environments.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Providing day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to the team of technology experts operating the Extreme Optics Pilot Line.
• Coordinating and supervising activities related to optical design, ultraprecision manufacturing, replication technologies, assembly, testing, and metrology.
• Ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of the pilot-line infrastructure.
• Contributing to the strategic development and continuous improvement of B-PHOT's manufacturing and metrology capabilities.
• Working closely with researchers and industrial partners to translate innovative concepts into manufacturable and scalable solutions.
• Supporting technology transfer, industrial innovation projects, and collaborative R&D activities at Flemish, European, and international level.
• Identifying opportunities for process optimization, technology upgrades, and operational excellence throughout the pilot line.
• Fostering a culture of quality, innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.

3 - Profile

Required Qualifications

• You hold a Master's degree in Engineering Technology or Engineering Sciences, specialization Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanics, Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. A PhD is considered an asset.
• You have at least 5–10 years of relevant experience in advanced manufacturing, photonics, precision engineering, optics, or a related high-technology environment.
• You have demonstrable experience in the operation, management, or development of advanced manufacturing and/or metrology infrastructures.
• You possess a solid understanding of CAD/CAM environments, precision manufacturing technologies, and industrial production workflows.
• Experience with ultra-precision machining, diamond turning, injection moulding, replication technologies, optical assembly, and/or optical metrology is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in supervising technical teams and coordinating multidisciplinary activities is highly desirable.
• You have excellent written and oral communication and reporting skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset or you are willing to acquire it.
• Experience in