Chief Technology Manager

h3Chief Technology Manager
- Optics Pilot Line /h3 pCategory: Management Professionals /p h3b1
- Working at the VUB /b /h3 pFor almost 50 years, the bVrije Universiteit Brussel /b 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 bpeople who are 100% their authentic selves /b. With about b3.500 employees /b, we are theb largest Flemish-speaking employer in Brussels /b, an international city with which we are all too happy to be connected, and around which our four campuses are located. /p h3b2
- Position Description /b /h3 pThe bBrussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT) /b at the bVrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) /b has been at the forefront of photonics research, technology development, and innovation for more than 30 years. /p pThrough its unique bExtreme Optics Pilot Line /b, 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. /p pB-PHOT currently brings together more than b70 experts /b, including researchers, engineers, and technology specialists, working closely with industrial and academic partners across Europe and beyond. More information can be found at . To discover our facilities at the bVUB Photonics Innovation Campus in Pajottegem /b, visit . /p pAs bManager of Optical Manufacturing and Technology /b, 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. /p pYou 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. /p pYour

key responsibilities
include: /p ul liProviding day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to the team of technology experts operating the Extreme Optics Pilot Line. /li liCoordinating and supervising activities related to optical design, ultraprecision manufacturing, replication technologies, assembly, testing, and metrology. /li liEnsuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of the pilot-line infrastructure. /li liContributing to the strategic development and continuous improvement of B-PHOT's manufacturing and metrology capabilities. /li liWorking closely with researchers and industrial partners to translate innovative concepts into manufacturable and scalable solutions. /li liSupporting technology transfer, industrial innovation projects, and collaborative RD activities at Flemish, European, and international level. /li liIdentifying opportunities for process optimization, technology upgrades, and operational excellence throughout the pilot line. /li liFostering a culture of quality, innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning. /li /ul h3b3
- Profile /b /h3 h3Required Qualifications /h3 ul liYou hold a bMaster's degree /b in Engineering Technology or Engineering Sciences, specialization bMechanical Engineering, Electromechanics, Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electronics, Industrial Engineering /b, or ba related discipline /b. A PhD is considered an asset. /li liYou have at least b5–10 years of relevant experience /b in advanced manufacturing, photonics, precision engineering, optics, or a related high-technology environment. /li liYou have demonstrable experience in the operation, management, or development of advanced manufacturing and/or metrology infrastructures. /li liYou possess a solid understanding of bCAD/CAM environments /b, precision manufacturing technologies, and industrial production workflows. /li liExperience with bultra-precision machining, diamond turning, injection moulding, replication technologies, optical assembly, and/or optical metrology /b is considered a strong asset. /li liExperience in supervising technical teams and coordinating multidisciplinary activities is highly desirable. /li liYou have excellent written and oral communication and reporting skills in bEnglish /b. Knowledge of bDutch /b is considered an asset or you are willing to acquire it. /li liExperience in interacting with industrial clients, technology transfer projects, or collaborative RD programmes is considered a strong advantage. /li liYou are an inspiring people manager who enjoys coaching, moti