About the Role
We are looking for a Senior Director of Optical Science & Systems to spearhead optical system architecture, scientific development, and technical execution across R&D and customer-facing projects.
This hands-on leadership role is pivotal to our technology. You will define optical architectures, shape scientific vision and intellectual property (IP), engage directly with customers and partners, and closely collaborate with executive management to translate strategy into differentiated optical sensing solutions.
As a deep-tech startup, this position combines scientific leadership, system-level thinking, and practical laboratory work. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable in defining long-term technical directions and aligning optical setups in the lab when necessary.
This position is expected to evolve over time, with a clear path toward executive technical leadership (e.g., CTO or Chief Scientist) as the company grows, provided the candidate possesses the requisite aptitude and competencies.
Key Responsibilities
Optical System Design & Scientific Leadership
- Lead authority for optical systems across internal R&D and customer projects.
- Define, design, simulate, prototype, and validate advanced optical and optoelectronic systems.
- Provide expert guidance on optical architecture, tolerancing, performance trade-offs, and system integration.
- Mentor and technically support engineers and scientists working on optical sensing systems.
Client-Facing Technical Leadership
- Serve as the primary optical and scientific expert in customer and partner interactions.
- Lead technical discussions, feasibility studies, and solution definitions with industrial and research partners.
- Communicate complex optical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Support business development through technical input, demonstrations, and proposal contributions.
Project & Program Ownership
- Lead and coordinate a portfolio of internal R&D, customer-funded, and publicly funded projects.
- Define technical objectives, milestones, and deliverables; ensure execution on time and within scope.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (MEMS, electronics, software, data, management).
Intellectual Property & Innovation
- Drive IP generation and strategy in optics and sensing systems.
- Lead invention disclosures and support patent drafting and prosecution.
- Identify and protect key innovations in alignment with long-term technology and product roadmaps.
Strategy & Company Development
- Collaborate with the CEO and Chief Scientist to shape scientific vision, technology roadmap, and product strategy.
- Contribute to decisions regarding R&D priorities, resource allocation, and long-term platform evolution.
- Represent the company’s technical capabilities externally when necessary.
Experimental & Laboratory Work
- Perform hands-on laboratory work, including optical setup, alignment, testing, and performance characterization.
- Support the transition from prototype to demonstrator and early production concepts.
Leadership
Demonstrate strong interpersonal maturity, with the ability to influence without authority, build trust among stakeholders, and communicate complex scientific trade-offs clearly and credibly. Exhibit the judgment, humility, and collaborative mindset necessary to evolve into a company-wide technical leader and trusted executive partner as the organization scales.
Required Qualifications
- PhD or MSc in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in optical system design and development.
- Proven experience leading complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
- Experience in client-facing technical roles.
- Familiarity with IP generation and patent processes.
- Ability to work independently, take technical ownership, and operate effectively in a startup environment.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality technical documentation and translate complex technical results into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
- Comfortable executing across a wide range of activities, including leadership interactions, client engagement, and hands-on work in the optics laboratory.
- Fluent in English; proficiency in French is a strong advantage.
Nice to Have
- Experience with infrared systems (NIR/MIR), imaging, or spectroscopy.
- Background in startups or small, technology-driven companies.
- Exposure to MEMS-based or highly integrated sensing platforms.
What We Offer
- A senior, high-impact role with substantial influence on technology, IP, and strategy.
- Hands-on involvement in cutting-edge MEMS-based infrared sensing technology.
- Close collaboration with executive leadership.
- A flexible, technically ambitious startup environment.
- Competitive compensation based on experience.
Why Join 4K-MEMS?
- Work on groundbreaking MEMS-based infrared sensing technology that has real industrial and societal impact.
- Join a small, highly skilled team where individual contributions are visible and valued.
- Experience a deep-tech startup environment characterized by rapid experimentation, system-level problem solving, and application-driven development.
If you are passionate about bringing technology to market and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
4K-MEMS is an equal opportunities employer. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, believing they strengthen our team and our technology.