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

At XRX (Carl Zeiss Extended Reality), a newly established global Strategic Business Unit in the scale-up phase, we are dedicated to innovation and excellence. Our goal is to deliver cutting-edge XR vision correction and optical systems to consumers around the world, ensuring we are the preferred partner in the XR market. We empower our customers and individuals with solutions that enhance productivity and change the way we work and live. Rooted in the ZEISS culture, we prioritize collaboration, integrity, ambition, and an entrepreneurial growth mindset, all supported by a commitment to continuous learning. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and performance are valued and important to our success. Our teams are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. At XRX, we offer competitive compensation packages and benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development. Join us and be part of a team that champions innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

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

• 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.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Ronan McHugh