Description

About the Role
We are seeking a senior Director of Optical Science & Systems to lead optical system architecture, scientific development, and technical execution across R&D and customer-facing projects.

This is a hands-on leadership role at the core of our technology. You will define optical architectures, shape scientific vision and IP, engage directly with customers and partners, and work closely with executive management to translate strategy into robust, differentiated optical sensing solutions.

As a deep-tech startup, this role combines scientific leadership, system-level thinking, and practical laboratory work. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable defining long-term technical direction and aligning an optical setup in the lab when needed.

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 has the right aptitude and competencies required.

Key Responsibilities
Optical System Design & Scientific Leadership
• Act as the company’s 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 definition with industrial and research partners.
• Clearly communicate complex optical concepts to 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.
• Work 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 aligned with long-term technology and product roadmaps.
Strategy & Company Development
• Work closely with the CEO and Chief Scientist to shape scientific vision, technology roadmap, and product strategy.
• Contribute to decisions on R&D priorities, resource allocation, and long-term platform evolution.
• Represent the company’s technical capabilities externally when required.
Experimental & Laboratory Work
• Perform hands-on laboratory work when needed, including optical setup, alignment, testing, and performance characterization.
• Support the transition from prototype to demonstrator and early production concepts.
Leadership
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal maturity, including the ability to influence without authority, build trust across technical and commercial stakeholders, and communicate complex scientific trade-offs with clarity and credibility. Exhibits the judgment, humility, and collaborative mindset required 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 to translate complex technical results into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
• Comfortable executing across the full spectrum of activities, including leadership interactions, client engagement, and direct hands-on work in the optics laboratory.
• Fluent English; French is a strong advantage.

Nice to Have
• Experience with infrared systems (NIR/MIR), imaging, or spectroscopy.
• Experience 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 real 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 cutting-edge MEMS-based infrared sensing technology with real industrial and societal impact.
• Join a small, highly skilled team where individual contributions have visible impact on the company.
• Experience a deep-tech startup environment combining rapid experimentation, system-level problem solving, and application-driven development.

If you are passionate about bringing technology to market and excel in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.
4K-MEMS is an equal opportunities employer. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and believe they strengthen our team and our technology.