Electro-Optics R&D Team Leader

Location: Or Akiva. Reports to: VP of R&D

Direct Reports: Electro-Optics Engineers

Job Overview The Electro-Optics Team Leader is responsible for the professional and managerial leadership of the Electro-Optics team. The team is accountable for defining, selecting, characterizing, testing, and integrating critical components in the company's products—including lasers, thermal engines, detectors, displays, LRFs (laser rangefinders), and other electro-optical components.

The Team Leader will serve as a technical authority across all stages of optical design—from initial design definitions to testing and verification against requirements. Additionally, the Team Leader will drive technology scouting and research for integration into current and future company products. This role combines deep hands-on technical/engineering responsibility with team management, vendor management, and test process oversight.

Key Responsibilities Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Define technical requirements for critical electro-optical components according to product and system specifications.
• Oversee component selection, characterization, and alignment with performance, reliability, and cost requirements.
• Guide integration planning for components into sub-systems and system-level architectures.
• Solve complex engineering challenges in optics and electro-optics.

Vendor Management

• Maintain ongoing technical relationships with domestic and international vendors.
• Lead vendor evaluation, market research, and comparative analysis of suppliers and technologies.
• Oversee co-development processes with vendors when required.
• Manage technical specifications and ensure vendor compliance with requirements.

Testing & Experiments

• Define test methods and procedures for electro-optical components and sub-systems.
• Design, execute, and analyze results for characterization tests and experiments.
• Define requirements for test equipment and laboratory infrastructure required for the team.
• Maintain responsibility for test documentation and engineering conclusions.

Team Management

• Directly manage the Electro-Optics engineering team: offer professional guidance, delegate tasks, and track progress.
• Drive professional development for team members and manage recruiting efforts when needed.
• Interface with cross-functional R&D disciplines (Mechanical, Hardware/Electronics, Software, Systems) to ensure seamless integration.
• Report progress, risks, and milestones regularly to R&D management.

Requirements

• Education: B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electro-Optics Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in electro-optical component or system development.
• Management: Prior experience managing an engineering team — Significant Advantage.
• Domain Expertise: Deep knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Lasers, Day/Night Optics, Displays, Thermal Engines.
• Vendor Experience: Proven experience working with international vendors.
• Subcontractor Management: 2+ years of proven experience overseeing optical design with subcontractors.
• Skills: Strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment under tight deadlines.
• Languages: High-level proficiency in English.
• Travel: Willingness to travel abroad as required.