Fiber R&D Director, North America

About the Role
You will drive innovation in fiber technology, influence the global roadmap, and define performance and sustainability standards for our products. Ultimately, you will play a key role in R&D governance, guiding investments and leading multidisciplinary teams to accelerate transformation across the industry.

You will lead the know-how transfer into Claremont factory and support the local plant strategic evolution to meet the DS market demands.

Key Responsibilities
• Define and implement the Fiber R&D strategy for Claremont Plant
• Shape the long-term vision for innovative and sustainable materials increasing sustainable sources and reduce dependency in terms of solutions and suppliers
• Partner with Cable R&D to improve know-how sharing and to align on the respective strategic agenda
• Together with Manufacturing and the related supporting functions design new machines and equipment to evolve and innovate our production capabilities
• Structure the team and processes to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
• Establish a clear roadmap for fiber developments, integrating market and regulatory requirements.
• Initiate strategic partnerships with academic and industrial stakeholders.
• Implement performance indicators to measure innovation impact.
• Develop and optimize processes in order to improve output and efficiencies KPIs (Yields) while reducing the overall Fiber cost
• Partnering with Process control team in order to stabilize newly developed processes to avoid drifting of operational efficiency
• Conduct experimental trials and analyze results to improve deposition efficiency and fiber quality
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards during process development.
• Document findings and contribute to technical reports and publications.
• Support technology transfer from R&D to industrial scale-up, including pilot line activities.
• Represent the company in strategic partnerships and industry consortiums.

Required Qualifications & Skills
Education
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Experience
• 10+ years of progressive experience in R&D roles within fiber optics or advanced materials.
• 5+ years of previous managerial or leadership experience in a technical environment.
• Experience with PCVD or similar deposition technologies is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
• Strong knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and material properties.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with safety and environmental compliance standards.
Soft Skills
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across multicultural teams.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to drive innovation and change.