Director, R&D Operations - Advanced Optics Technologies

About the role

This role is critical to advancing AOT’s mission to deliver innovative optical technologies for optical solutions for vision and integrated optical metrology systems. This role is on-site in our Fort Worth, Texas location and a typical day would include:

• Lead AOT operational rhythm, including planning, resourcing, portfolio prioritization, and governance processes.
• Manage and optimize the AOT ideation and innovation pipeline aligned with business priorities.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across optical engineering, vision science, metrology, and product development teams.
• Partner with leadership to define and execute strategic initiatives and technology roadmaps.
• Drive process optimization and operational excellence initiatives.
• Develop and mentor managers and senior engineers.
• Build relationships with internal leadership and external stakeholders (e.g., KOLs, scientific leaders).

Responsibilities

• Lead AOT operational rhythm, including planning, resourcing, portfolio prioritization, and governance processes.
• Manage and optimize the AOT ideation and innovation pipeline aligned with business priorities.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across optical engineering, vision science, metrology, and product development teams.
• Partner with leadership to define and execute strategic initiatives and technology roadmaps.
• Drive process optimization and operational excellence initiatives.
• Develop and mentor managers and senior engineers.
• Build relationships with internal leadership and external stakeholders (e.g., KOLs, scientific leaders).

Requirements

• Deep expertise in optical engineering, vision science, or related field (IOL and/or CL development preferred).
• Experience leading cross-functional R&D teams and multi-site operations.
• Experience defining and executing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks (FDA, GxP) in medical devices.
• Experience engaging external stakeholders including KOLs and advisory boards.
• Strong track record of talent development and leadership coaching.
• Experience leading implementation of AI-enabled research programs (e.g., defining use cases, selecting tools/partners, change management, and scaling adoption across R&D teams).
• Experience translating research and business objectives into roadmaps, success metrics, and governance (data quality, model risk, validation, and compliance).
• Working knowledge of machine learning/analytics workflows and data strategy (experimental data pipelines, MLOps, reproducibility, and integrating AI outputs into decision-making).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +18 yrs; Assoc.+14 yrs; M.S.+7 yrs; PhD+6 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 10 Years of Relevant Experience
• 6 Years of Demonstrated Leadership Preferred
• 6+ years of leadership experience, including leading managers.
• Experience managing teams of 20+ FTEs.
• MBA desirable (or equivalent business training) to strengthen strategic planning, portfolio governance, and cross-functional leadership.

Skills

• Deep expertise in optical engineering, vision science, or related field (IOL and/or CL development preferred).
• Experience leading cross-functional R&D teams and multi-site operations.
• Experience defining and executing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks (FDA, GxP) in medical devices.
• Experience engaging external stakeholders including KOLs and advisory boards.
• Strong track record of talent development and leadership coaching.
• Experience leading implementation of AI-enabled research programs (e.g., defining use cases, selecting tools/partners, change management, and scaling adoption across R&D teams).
• Experience translating research and business objectives into roadmaps, success metrics, and governance (data quality, model risk, validation, and compliance).
• Working knowledge of machine learning/analytics workflows and data strategy (experimental data pipelines, MLOps, reproducibility, and integrating AI outputs into decision-making).

Benefits

Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off and much more.

Pay

Details TBD

Schedule

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Benefits

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Skills

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