About The Role

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.

In Germany, our teams combine engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing and applied R&D to deliver high-precision laser and optical solutions for customers across the automotive, semiconductor, electronics and advanced manufacturing industries.

The Role

As Team / Department Manager SHARP within our Research & Development organisation in Lübeck, you will lead the Software, Hardware, Automation, Robotics and Process Engineering (SHARP) team.

The team develops software solutions and advanced engineering concepts that support both product development and manufacturing. Alongside software development, SHARP is responsible for the design, programming and integration of automation solutions, robotics and production hardware used within our assembly and test stations.

Working closely with Optical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Manufacturing Engineering and Production, you will play an important role in enabling innovative manufacturing technologies and efficient product realisation.

This is a hands-on leadership position combining people development, strategic planning and operational management with continued technical involvement. You will remain close to the technology and contribute your expertise to technical challenges, projects and decision-making rather than operating in a purely managerial capacity.

What you will be doing

Lead and develop the SHARP team with disciplinary and functional responsibility for a group of highly qualified technical employees.
Drive capacity planning, resource allocation, organisational development and performance management to ensure sustainable team success.
Translate strategic objectives into structured work packages, establish priorities and ensure effective execution.
Ensure departmental objectives are achieved in line with quality, delivery and resource requirements.
Remain actively involved in technical work alongside your leadership responsibilities, contributing expertise to projects, problem-solving and key technical decisions.
Coordinate key interfaces across R&D and with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing and other business functions.
Analyse and resolve complex technical and organisational challenges involving multiple stakeholders and influencing factors.
Continuously improve processes, engineering methods and organisational structures to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and support the continued development of the wider R&D organisation.
Identify technical and organisational risks within the department and proactively implement appropriate mitigation measures.
Develop team members through structured development planning, coaching, regular feedback and targeted training aligned with individual and business needs.

About You

You are an experienced technical professional who is ready to combine leadership responsibility with continued involvement in engineering and technology. You enjoy developing people, solving complex technical challenges and working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

You will ideally bring

A successfully completed university degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics or a comparable technical discipline.
Several years of professional experience within software development, automation, robotics or a related engineering environment.
Initial or proven leadership experience, including responsibility for developing, supporting and motivating employees.
A strong technical background and a desire to remain actively involved in technical work alongside your management responsibilities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative and solution-oriented leadership style.
The ability to establish priorities and make effective decisions within a dynamic and interdisciplinary engineering environment.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking combined with a structured and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
Experience working within project-oriented development environments and collaborating across different engineering disciplines would be advantageous.
Fluent German (C1) and good written and spoken English (B2).

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position

?? Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
✨ Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
?? Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
?? Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
?? Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Application & Selection

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to [email hidden]. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.