Senior Director Research & Development

Overview

As Senior Director, you will shape and lead the Laser Technologies R&D organization, guiding strategy, capability building, and execution for a business generating over $120M. You’ll manage a global team of ~50 engineers and scientists, partnering with cross‑functional teams to translate technology investments into customer and business value. You will drive innovation, optimise development processes, and develop leaders to sustain competitive advantage in advanced laser applications.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the R&D strategy and technology roadmaps for future product platforms
• Oversee new product development and sustaining engineering
• Portfolio prioritisation and product lifecycle governance
• Lead engineering leadership development, coaching and succession planning
• Strengthen stage-gate processes to improve quality, speed and outcomes
• Collaborate with Product Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Service and Commercial teams to align tech investments with value

Key requirements

• Extensive experience in developing complex technology products
• Senior leadership experience in R&D or Engineering
• Proven portfolio and organizational leadership capability
• Technology roadmap ownership
• Stage-gate product development expertise
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Experience leading multifunctional engineering teams
• Ability to influence executive-level decision making
• Strong technical credibility in complex technical environments

• Strategic thinking
• Influence and executive communication
• Coaching and leadership development
• Technology roadmap ownership
• Stage-gate product development
• R&D leadership in photonics/lasers/semiconductor equipment/medical technology

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