Head of Optic & Mechanical Design (f/m/x) @ Carl ZEISS Extended Reality (XRX)

Your role

• Lead and develop a cross‑functional team of optical and mechanical design engineers, fostering a high‑performance, learning‑oriented culture.
• Own the end‑to‑end architecture of complex optical and optomechanical systems – from early feasibility and simulation through prototype, validation and transfer to product development.
• Ensure state‑of‑the‑art design quality by driving methods, tools and processes in optical and mechanical design (e.g. tolerancing, stray‑light analysis, robustness, DfM).
• Collaborate closely with business units, systems engineering, project management and manufacturing to align requirements, manage interfaces and secure design maturity at each milestone.
• Shape and prioritize the technology and IP roadmap in optic and mechanical design in collaboration with Corporate Research & Technology and the business segments.
• Plan and develop key competencies and capacities within the team, including make‑or‑buy decisions and the structured use of external partners and suppliers.
• Represent ZEISS as a technical authority in internal and external reviews, with customers, suppliers and research partners.

Your profile

Your profile

• Excellent university degree in physics, optics, mechanical engineering or a related technical field; a PhD is a plus.
• Several years of experience in the development of optical and/or optomechanical systems (e.g. imaging systems, precision mechanics, photonics modules), ideally in research or product development environments.
• Proven leadership experience in managing and developing teams, including lateral leadership in cross‑site or cross‑functional constellations.
• Strong track record in optical and mechanical design methods and tools (e.g. optical design software, CAD, FEM) and their integration into robust development workflows.
• Distinct customer and stakeholder orientation, with the ability to translate complex technical topics into clear decisions and roadmaps.
• High level of initiative, decision‑making strength and conflict‑management skills, combined with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Very good English and German skills in spoken and written form; ability to work effectively in an international environment.

Contact

Ronan McHugh

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Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), table; dl-de/by-2-0; StarIn's calculation

Posted Oct 13, 2026

Posted Oct 04, 2026