Head of Product Development
Location: High Wycombe (on-site)
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 + benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Product Development to lead the technological direction and team responsible for next-generation XRF and EDS detector products. This role combines hands-on scientific/engineering capability with strategic leadership, overseeing both new product innovation and enhancements to existing detector platforms.
The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, shaping the development roadmap, driving technical excellence and ensuring smooth delivery from concept through to production.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and deliver the product development roadmap for X-ray detectors and associated technologies
* Lead and mentor a cross-functional technical team (scientists, engineers, and process specialists)
* Oversee the design, optimisation, testing and validation of new and existing detector products
* Troubleshoot technical challenges relating to detector physics, performance and manufacturability
* Align technical direction with wider business objectives and market opportunities
* Collaborate with external partners and suppliers on component development and innovation
* Ensure ISO-aligned development processes and maintain robust technical documentation
About You
* MSc or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline
* 10+ years’ experience in X-ray detector development, semiconductor physics or equivalent high-end sensing technology
* Proven track record leading a technical/scientific team (5–10 engineers/scientists)
* Demonstrable experience managing projects from R&D concept to commercial product
* Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical communication skills
* Knowledge of SDDs or semiconductor detector design, low-noise electronics, vacuum systems or cryogenic/Peltier cooling is highly advantageous
What This Role Offers
* Significant influence over product strategy and technical direction
* The opportunity to lead innovation in a specialist, high-technology field
* A senior leadership role combining deep technical input with people development
* Competitive salary of £80k–£90k plus benefits package