Engineering Program Manager, XRX

Purpose of the role: ensure reach of the XRX business target by delivering an outstanding technical solution to one of the key accounts in the US.

Within this position you contribute to the next generation of wearable vision technology, where optical performance and user experience are mission-critical.

The work consist in

-          work with world-class engineers and manufacturing experts on a programs with real strategic visibility.

-          be trusted to lead in an environment where technical rigor, attention to detail, and execution excellence are non-negotiable.

-          grow as a technical project leader by operating at the highest standards of modern product development.

Primary duties and responsibilities

- Lead end-to-end project management for advanced spectacle lens development programs, from concept through industrialization

Lead complex, (multi‑year) new product and new technology development programs involving high technical uncertainty, multiple development loops, and strict industrialization readiness criteria, ensuring disciplined planning, execution, and control across all project phases.

Decide on project sequencing, prioritization, and phase transitions within defined governance frameworks, while operating within corporate product development processes, quality systems, and applicable regulatory and safety guidelines.

Exercise sole accountability for integrated project delivery outcomes, while sharing milestone approval and investment decisions with functional leadership and escalating strategic trade‑offs to the supervisor when required.

- Translate challenging customer requirements into clear project plans, milestones, and deliverables

Analyze complex, often evolving customer requirements that involve advanced optical performance, manufacturability constraints, cost targets, and regulatory considerations, converting them into structured and measurable project objectives.

Define project plans, milestones, and deliverables in alignment with internal development standards, formal change management rules, and contractual or customer‑specific commitments.

Decide on requirement prioritization and technical scope proposals in close collaboration with technical experts, while final approval of commercial or contractual interpretations remains with senior management.

- undefined
- undefined Act as the central coordination point between R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and supply chain teams for new product developments Coordinate cross‑functional teams operating across different disciplines, locations, and maturity levels, resolving complex interdependencies that directly impact product feasibility, industrial scalability, and time‑to‑market. Apply established governance models, escalation paths, and documentation standards to align functions while respecting functional ownership, regulatory obligations, and quality management system requirements. Decide on day‑to‑day cross‑functional alignment and sequencing, while shared decisions on resource allocation and strategic priorities are taken jointly with functional leaders.undefinedundefined Proactively manage scope, timelines, risks, and dependencies in a fast-moving development environment Anticipate technical, operational, and supply‑chain‑related risks in environments characterized by incomplete data, parallel development activities, and aggressive timelines, ensuring early mitigation planning. Control scope, schedule, and dependency management through formal risk reviews, scenario analyses, and structured decision forums in compliance with corporate project management standards. Decide independently on corrective actions within the approved project frame, while major scope or timeline deviations are escalated for supervisory decision.undefined Drive structured communication with internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency, alignment, and timely decision-making Drive structured, regular, and decision‑oriented communication with internal teams and external stakeholders, translating complex technical content into clear, actionable information. Ensure communication practices comply with confidentiality rules, regulatory disclosure requirements, and internal reporting standards. Decide on communication cadence, content, and escalation level, while strategic messaging to key customers or executives is aligned with senior leadership.  Anticipate issues early, escalate effectively, and guide teams toward pragmatic, high-quality solutions Identify emerging technical, organizational, or execution issues early by continuously monitoring project signals, trade‑offs, and cross‑functional interfaces. Escalate critical issues in a structured and timely manner, providing fact‑based options and impact assessments in accordance with escalation and governance rules.G uide teams toward robust, high‑quality, and pragmatic solutions, while final decisions on high‑impact trade‑offs are taken jointly with management. Maintain strong focus on performance, cost, and quality targets while meeting ambitious timelines  Ensure consistent alignment of project execution with defined performance, cost, and quality targets in development environments with high technical ambition and cost sensitivity. Monitor target achievement through structured reviews, KPIs, and deviation analyses in line with corporate controlling, quality, and audit requirements. Decide on optimization measures within the approved project framework, while deviations with financial or strategic impact are escalated to the supervisor.   Dimensions / Key Data    Key relationship/customers
The EPM drive directly the relationship with the customer – preparing meetings, moderating them and following up on the actions. The EPM can also meet the customer, either in ZEISS premises or at the customer’s headquarters.   Key interfaces/liaison/functional guidance within ZEISS group
In order to perform its tasks the EPM will work closely with a variety of functions: Corporate, COM, and XRX R&D; Engineering; Regulatory; Legal; Product Marketing; IT; upstream and down stream suppliers; Finance; ZEISS XRX leadership team;   Key data / KPIsEmployees Nb. of direct reports:       0Nb. of indirect/project reports : can be substantial depending on the project. Indirects reports are project contributors. Revenue
Revenue of the department / division / BU / BG / SSC PC Each Project can generate between 5m and 100m per year Budget
Budget of the department / division / BU / BG / SSC PC  Other KPI
if available state figures for any other function relevant KPI The projects costs are varying significantly by their nature

1.     Education / Professional Certification

Preferred level of education (unskilled/vocational training/bachelor/university degree); preferred Institutes if any.

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field of experience.

2.     Experience

Number of Years / Relevant Experience / Preferred Industry

·         At least 5 years of experience

·         Proven experience managing complex technical development projects, ideally in optics, medical devices, consumer electronics, or similar high-precision industries with direct relationship to customers

3.     Knowledge / Skills / Other characteristics

Any Special Knowledge/Skill that is required for the function

·         Strong ability to structure ambiguity and turn evolving requirements into actionable plans.

·         Excellent stakeholder management skills, including confidence working with highly demanding and detail-oriented customers.

·         Natural leadership presence: you align teams without formal authority and keep momentum under pressure.

·         Clear, concise communicator who can balance technical depth with executive-level clarity.

·         Resilient, pragmatic, and solution-oriented—comfortable navigating conflict and high expectations.

·         Solid understanding of product development lifecycles and cross-functional collaboration.

- Working conditions & Other Attributes.

List working conditions, health parameters, any other (legally) required information

·         Willingness to travel nationally and internationally (estimate ca. 25%)

The annual pay range for this position is $135,300 - $169,100.

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is eligible for a Performance Bonus.

ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Jo Anne Mittelman

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).