Chief Technology Manager - Optics Pilot Line

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 Home | B-PHOT Brussels Photonics | Vrije Universiteit Brussel To discover our facilities at the VUB Photonics Innovation Campus in Pajottegem, visit B-PHOT in… | B-PHOT Brussels Photonics | Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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 interacting with industrial clients, technology transfer projects, or collaborative R&D programmes is considered a strong advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• You are an inspiring people manager who enjoys coaching, motivating, and developing technical talent.
• You foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• You are capable of building trust and establishing productive relationships with researchers, engineers, industrial partners, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• You have strong organizational skills and are comfortable coordinating multiple projects, priorities, and resources simultaneously.
• You combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to problem solving.
• You are capable of translating long-term objectives into actionable operational plans.
• You demonstrate sound judgement and can make decisions in complex technical and operational environments.

Technical and Operational Competencies

• You have strong analytical skills and can quickly assess technical challenges and identify practical solutions.
• You have a broad interest in advanced manufacturing technologies and emerging developments in optics and photonics.
• You understand the requirements of high-performance technology infrastructures, including quality assurance, safety procedures, maintenance planning, and process optimization.
• You are committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement of manufacturing and characterization workflows.
• You are quality-oriented and strive for the highest standards in technology development, prototyping, and production.

4 - Offer

Shape the Future of Photonics Manufacturing and Innovation

Are you ready to lead one of Europe's most advanced photonics manufacturing and technology infrastructures?

We offer a full-time permanent position with a competitive salary package within grade group 10-11, commensurate with your experience, qualifications, and leadership responsibilities.

At VUB, we are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and diverse working environment where talent, initiative, and collaboration are valued. You will join Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), an internationally recognized centre of excellence in photonics research, technology development, and industrial innovation.

As Manager of Optical Manufacturing and Technology, you will have the opportunity to play a leading role in the further development of the B-PHOT Extreme Optics Pilot Line, working closely with researchers, engineers, industrial partners, and public stakeholders. You will contribute directly to the realization of cutting-edge innovation projects and help shape the future of photonics-enabled technologies.

In addition, we offer:

• A unique leadership position at the intersection of research, advanced manufacturing, and industrial innovation.
• The opportunity to manage and further develop one of Europe's leading infrastructures for optical design, ultraprecision manufacturing, replication technologies, and optical metrology.
• A highly stimulating and international working environment with experts from diverse scientific, engineering, and technology disciplines.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and lifelong learning through VUB's training and development programmes.
• Extensive reimbursement of commuting expenses through public transportation and/or bicycle commuting.
• Comprehensive hospitalization insurance and group insurance, including income protection.
• Eco vouchers (ecocheques).
• An attractive leave scheme with up to 35 vacation days per year (full-time employment).
• Flexible working arrangements and strong attention to work-life balance.
• The opportunity to contribute to high-impact Flemish, European, and international research and innovation initiatives.
• A workplace where technological excellence, collaboration, societal impact, and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.

5 - Interested?

Interested in leading the next generation of photonics manufacturing and innovation?

Please submit the following documents:

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV);
• A motivation letter outlining your experience, leadership vision, and interest in the position;
• A copy of your highest obtained degree (not required for VUB alumni).

Applications should be submitted before 18-10-2026

Selection Procedure

The selection process consists of the following steps:

1. Preselection based on CV and motivation letter.
2. Assessment of technical expertise and leadership competencies.
3. Interview with the selection committee at the VUB Photonics Innovation Campus in Pajottegem.

Depending on the number of candidates and the profile of the selected applicants, additional assessment steps may be included.

More Information

For questions regarding the position, please contact:

Prof. Hugo Thienpont

[email protected]

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