Director of Fiber Technology

Lead the technologies that enable the future of photonics

Are you an experienced engineering or R&D leader with a passion for advanced technologies, innovation, and organisational development?

Do you thrive at the intersection of technology strategy, leadership, and execution? Are you motivated by shaping both future technology roadmaps and the organisations that bring them to life?

If so, this opportunity at Hamamatsu Photonics may be exactly what you are looking for.

About the Company

Formerly known as NKT Photonics, Hamamatsu Photonics is now the Lasers & Fibers Business Unit within the Hamamatsu Photonics Group.

Combining decades of expertise in advanced fiber lasers and specialty fibers with the global reach of one of the world's leading photonics companies, Hamamatsu develops technologies supporting quantum technologies, life sciences, semiconductors, aerospace & defense, and industrial applications.

With more than 5,800 employees worldwide and annual revenue exceeding EUR 1.3 billion, the company continues to invest heavily in future technologies and engineering excellence.

The Opportunity

This is a rare external Director-level opportunity. Hamamatsu Photonics has traditionally developed and promoted leaders from within, making this a unique chance to join the Engineering Management Team and shape both a core technology area and the future organisation behind it.

As Director of Fiber Technology, you will lead one of Hamamatsu Photonics' most strategically important engineering functions.

You will be responsible for an organisation of approximately 30 employees spanning Fiber Development, Fiber Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, and Fiber Interfacing. The role reports directly to the Senior Director R&D / Engineering and forms part of the Engineering Management Team.

This position combines two equally important responsibilities:

• Defining and driving the long-term technology roadmap
• Leading and developing the organization, including succession planning, leadership development, and organizational evolution

Success in this role requires balancing innovation with continuity. You will build on a strong technical foundation while helping the organisation prepare for its next phase of growth.

Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Own the strategic technology roadmap for Fiber Technology
• Drive innovation and future technology development
• Align technology investments with business strategy
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary organisation of ~30 employees
• Lead succession planning efforts and support the development of future technical and people leaders
• Manage portfolio priorities, budgets, resources and execution
• Act as a member of the Engineering Management Team
• Engage with key stakeholders, including customers, critical suppliers, partners, executive leadership, and key decision-makers across the organisation

Profile

You are likely an experienced Engineering Director, R&D Director, Head of Technology, Head of Photonics, Head of Fiber Technology, Director of Product Development, or similar who combines strong technical credibility with proven leadership experience.

You may come from photonics, fiber optics, laser technology, advanced materials, scientific instrumentation, or another deep-tech environment where technology development and organizational leadership go hand in hand.

Desired Experience

We hope you can tick most of the following boxes:

• Significant leadership experience within photonics, fiber technologies, laser systems, optics, or adjacent deep-tech industries
• Experience leading managers and larger engineering, R&D, or technology organizations.
• Proven track record developing technology strategies, roadmaps, and innovation initiatives
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, portfolios, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Strong understanding of product development, technology commercialization, and organizational leadership
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, executive leadership teams, and external partners
• Fluent English skills and willingness to travel internationally (approximately 10-20% annually)

Ideally, You Also Bring

• Direct experience with specialty fibers, photonic crystal fibers, hollow core fiber, or related fiber technologies
• Experience from the photonics, laser technology, or advanced materials industries
• Exposure to manufacturing environments and international organizations

Personal Competencies

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads with credibility, humility and authenticity
• Balances strategy with execution
• Develops people and builds strong teams
• Communicates effectively across functions and cultures
• Drives change while respecting existing strengths and expertise

Why Join Hamamatsu Photonics Now?

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a business-critical technology area within one of the world's most respected photonics organizations.

You will have the opportunity to influence not only future fiber technologies, but also the organization responsible for developing and manufacturing them.

Joining now means becoming part of a growing international company where you can help shape technology strategy, leadership capability, and organizational development while working alongside highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical specialists.

Benefits

This is a unique opportunity to join Hamamatsu Photonics during a period of significant growth and technological advancement.

You will benefit from:

• A rare Director-level opportunity with significant influence
• Direct participation in the Engineering Management Team
• Ownership of future fiber technology strategy and roadmap
• Leadership responsibility for an organization of approximately 30 employees
• Exposure to advanced photonics, specialty fibers, and future technologies
• Exposure to future executive leadership opportunities within a global organisation
• Collaboration with highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical specialists
• Strong autonomy and visibility within the organization

You Can Expect

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Annual bonus programme
• 12% employer-paid pension
• Health and accident insurance
• Relocation support where relevant
• Hybrid working model with the possibility of 1 remote day per week, however you are a visible leader

Interested?

If you are excited about leading both technology and people while shaping the future of one of the world's most advanced photonics organizations, we would love to hear from you.

All applications and enquiries will be handled with complete discretion.