Product Owner

A European deep-tech company specialized in advanced optical inspection systems is entering a critical phase of product industrialization.

After successful prototype validation with industrial customers, the challenge is now to deploy, scale and industrialize an automated visual inspection solution used in ophthalmic lens manufacturing (e.g., intraocular lenses and related medical optics), where validation, traceability and repeatability are critical.

As Product Owner / Project Manager, you will own both the evolution of the product and its successful deployment at customer production sites. You will work at the intersection of product definition, field deployment, data-driven performance assessment and customer adoption.

The position combines product ownership with hands-on industrial project leadership, and is designed for someone who enjoys turning advanced technology into reliable, everyday production tools.

Your Role

You will be responsible for transforming a validated inspection system into a scalable industrial solution adopted by multiple customers.

Your responsibilities include:

Product ownership

• Define and maintain the product roadmap, requirements and priorities.
• Translate customer needs, field feedback and performance data into product improvements.
• Work closely with optics, software and algorithm teams.
• Support preparation for serial production and serviceability.

Industrial deployment & customer projects

• Lead on-site deployment projects at customer manufacturing facilities.
• Collect real production data and assess inspection performance.
• Analyze detection results (false accept / false reject, thresholds, KPIs).
• Support installation, commissioning, operator training and ramp-up.
• Act as the primary technical and operational contact during early production phases.

Who We Are Looking For

You likely recognize yourself in several of the following:

• Master’s or PhD in engineering or applied sciences (optics, physics, mechatronics, biomedical, automation…).
• 5+ years of experience in optical inspection, machine vision, industrial instrumentation or automated quality control.
• Experience working in or with regulated manufacturing environments (medical devices, pharma, diagnostics, high-precision manufacturing).
• Comfortable with data-driven performance evaluation and industrial realities.
• Prior exposure to product management, project management or field deployment roles.
• Strong communicator, able to work with operators, quality teams and engineers alike.
• Willing to travel and work hands-on at customer sites.

Why This Role Is Different

• You join at the most decisive phase of a deep-tech product lifecycle.
• You have real ownership, not a purely coordination role.
• You work close to the field, customers and data.
• You help replace manual inspection with reliable automation in regulated production.
• High visibility and direct impact on a strategic product line.

Automated Optical Inspection – Regulated Manufacturing

Belgium / Western Europe

Regular on-site presence required – international travel (~1 week/month)