Chief Technology Manager of Optical Manufacturing and Technology

h3Chief Technology Manager of Optical Manufacturing and Technology /h3 h3Working at the VUB /h3 pFor more than 50 years, the bVrije Universiteit Brussel /b has stood for fbreedom, equality and solidarity /b, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. /p pAt the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all bpeople who are 100% their authentic selves /b. With some b4,000 employees /b, we are bthe largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels /b; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. /p pAdd to this our principle of bfree research /b
- in whichself-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind aroundscientific and social issues are central
- and you have a universitythat is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education andresearch. In short: bthe VUB all over again /b. /p pMoreover, the VUB is a member of bEUTOPIA /b, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves. /p 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, characterisation, 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 recognised 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 on our website. 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 characterisation 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 h3Profile /h3 pWhat do we expect from you? /p 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 high