We are recruiting for a Chief Technology Officer on behalf of a Series A deep-tech company developing advanced optical materials and adaptive optical technologies, including proprietary fluid-filled optical lens systems for next-generation optical applications.
The company sits at the intersection of optics, materials science, chemistry and precision engineering, with technology relevant to areas including adaptive optics, AR/VR, ophthalmics and advanced imaging systems.
Following the development of multiple working demonstrators and a substantial IP position, the business is now entering a critical stage: transitioning highly differentiated laboratory technologies into robust, manufacturable platforms through structured customer co-development programmes.
We are looking for a deeply technical leader who combines scientific credibility with the experience and judgement required to scale emerging technologies into commercially viable systems.
The CTO will have responsibility spanning:
* Technology strategy and roadmap development
* Advanced R&D leadership
* Productisation and manufacturing scale-up
* Customer-facing technical leadership
* IP strategy and competitive positioning
* Building and mentoring a high-calibre multidisciplinary team
1. To be considered for the position of CTO you need the following:
* A PhD or equivalent depth of expertise in optics, optical engineering, materials science, physics or related disciplines
* Significant experience in optics, photonics, adaptive optics or advanced materials
* A track record of taking novel physical technologies from concept through prototype and into customer deployment or commercialisation
* Experience operating in technically demanding, fast-moving R&D environments
* Strong customer and partner engagement capability
2. Particular interest will be given to candidates with backgrounds in:
* Soft optical materials
* Adaptive or tunable optics
* Optical polymers, LC systems, gels or elastomers
* Fluid-filled optical devices or optofluidic systems
* AR/VR optics
* Ophthalmic technologies
* Advanced imaging or photonic applications
This role will suit someone motivated by difficult multidisciplinary problems, real technical ownership, and the opportunity to shape the trajectory of a highly ambitious deep-tech business at an important stage of growth.
Oxfordshire-based with substantial on-site engagement due to the laboratory and hardware-focused nature of the work.
Confidential enquiries are welcomed .