Job: R&D technical domain lead - Fiber interconnects (m/f/d)

ficonTEC Service GmbH is an innovative high-tech company that has quickly established itself in a highly specialized market since 2001. With continuous growth and innovative development, we are a recognized market leader in the automated assembly and testing of optoelectronic components and (hybrid) photonic devices. Our company develops advanced solutions such as high-precision die bonding, fiber alignment, and laser soldering systems, which are critical for manufacturing cutting-edge photonic devices like LiDAR sensors, high-speed data transceivers, and silicon photonics. These technologies are paving the way for advancements in telecommunications, autonomous vehicles, and medical diagnostics.

Our company-wide goal is to set up top-notch technology that facilitates our customers from around the world in building tomorrow’s optoelectronic devices. We believe in equal opportunity, with employees committed to diversity and inclusion, offering a vibrant working environment.

Are you looking for a job in a forward-looking industry? Then become part of our strong and experienced team as a:
R&D technical domain lead - Fiber interconnects (m/f/d)
immediately & full time

We are seeking a highly skilled and people-oriented technical domain lead (m/f/d) for the field of optical fiber interconnects to join our R&D team. In this role, you will lead both the technical direction and the team development of our Fiber Interconnect activities — driving innovative solutions while fostering a motivated and collaborative working culture.

You will oversee customer-driven, internal, and publicly funded projects on optical fiber interconnects, including active alignment of optical fibers and co-packaged optics for datacom and lidar applications. Beyond managing projects, you will act as a mentor and motivator, ensuring that each team member is empowered, aligned, and developing professionally.

Responsibilities:

• Technical and People Leadership: Lead and inspire a team of engineers and researchers working on optical fiber interconnect technologies. Combine technical excellence with strong interpersonal leadership by actively engaging with your team on a day-to-day basis. Conduct regular 1:1 discussions to understand strengths, challenges, and motivations of each team member, ensuring a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.
• Project Ownership: Take responsibility for the complete project lifecycle — from planning and execution to delivery — for projects related to optical fiber connection technologies (fiber preparation, alignment, fixation, etc.).
• Strategic and Organizational Development: Drive strategic planning together with Sales, Business Development, and R&D management. Define and prioritize the team’s work backlog, plan resources effectively, and continuously improve internal workflows and communication structures.
• Hands-on Involvement: Stay close to the technology by working hands-on in the R&D lab to evaluate new solutions and prototype setups — including mechanical, electrical, and software elements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal departments (Sales, Marketing, Engineering, and Manufacturing) to ensure alignment and efficient project execution.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with customers, vendors, and academic partners to understand requirements, address technical challenges, and present project outcomes confidently.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial experience in optical fiber interconnects, telecommunications, or photonics, with proven project management experience.
• Strong people leadership mindset – you enjoy understanding your team members, helping them grow, and building a positive, high-performance team culture. First experience is a big plus.
• Inspiring, empathetic, and motivating personality, capable of leading through trust, dialogue, and enthusiasm.
• Proven hands-on mentality – comfortable in the lab and familiar with experimental setups (mechanical, electrical, and programming-related).
• Knowledge of active fiber alignment, co-packaged optics, and/or telecom/datacom technologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); German is an advantage.

• Unlimited employment relationship & flexible working hours
• Appropriate remuneration opportunities & company pension plan
• Daycare allowance for children up to the age of 3
• Bike leasing
• Distinctive prospects incl. international career opportunities
• Exciting, international clients from a wide range of industries
• Professional Onboarding program and individual support
• Annual employee appraisals for your targeted and individual development/personal development
• Short decision-making processes, opportunity to get involved and change things
• Company fitness and discount opportunities for employees (e.g., City for two, benefits app)
• Company pension scheme and other benefits
• Top hardware incl. ergonomic workplace conditions
• Of course: regular company events (e.g., summer party, Christmas party, B2Run)