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

• Own complex optical / optomechanical development programs from early customer or market need through concept, development, validation, industrialization, and ramp-up - ensuring delivery on scope, time, quality, and budget.
• Translate business and customer requirements into clear program objectives, integrated roadmaps, and phased delivery plans in close alignment with Product Management, R&D, Operations, Quality, and Procurement.
• Lead cross-functional, cross-site teams, establish effective program governance (milestones, reviews, KPIs), and drive decision-making across all lifecycle phases - from feasibility to end-of-life.
• Manage risks, dependencies, and change requests proactively; implement mitigation plans and escalation paths, and ensure transparency to stakeholders and management.
• Secure readiness for each lifecycle gate (technical maturity, regulatory, manufacturing, supply chain, service) and orchestrate smooth handovers between development, operations, and downstream functions.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and, where applicable, external customers throughout the program, ensuring clear communication, expectation management, and sustainable partnership.

Your Profile

• University degree in engineering, physics, optics, or a related technical field; additional training/certification in project/program management (e.g. IPMA, PMI, PRINCE2, Agile) is an advantage.
• Several years of experience in managing end-to-end development programs, ideally for optical, optoelectronic, or other complex mechatronic products in a high-tech or MedTech/B2B environment.
• Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle (market need, requirements engineering, system design, verification/validation, industrialization, ramp-up, lifecycle management).
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams without direct line authority, with strong stakeholder, conflict-management, and negotiation skills.
• Solid financial and business acumen (business case creation, budget responsibility, cost tracking, make-or-buy, ROI) and experience with program KPIs.
• Structured, analytical, and hands-on working style; able to operate in dynamic environments and balance strategic view with day-to-day execution.
• Very good communication skills in English; German is a strong plus and willingness to work in an international, cross-site context.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Galina Elsenhans, Hannah Beutler, Ronan McHugh