Program Manager (XXL projects) (f/m/x) @ Carl ZEISS Extended Reality (XRX)

At XRX (Carl Zeiss Extended Reality), a newly established global Strategic Business Unit in the scale-up phase, we are dedicated to innovation and excellence. Our goal is to deliver cutting-edge XR vision correction and optical systems to consumers around the world, ensuring we are the preferred partner in the XR market. We empower our customers and individuals with solutions that enhance productivity and change the way we work and live. Rooted in the ZEISS culture, we prioritize collaboration, integrity, ambition, and an entrepreneurial growth mindset, all supported by a commitment to continuous learning. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and performance are valued and important to our success. Our teams are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. At XRX, we offer competitive compensation packages and benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development. Join us and be part of a team that champions innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Your role

• Lead cross‑functional development programs for optical and optomechanical systems from concept through industrialization, ensuring delivery on scope, time, quality, and budget.
• Define and maintain integrated program plans (milestones, resources, risks, dependencies) in close alignment with R&D, Product Management, Operations, Quality, and Procurement.
• Act as central interface between internal stakeholders and, where applicable, customers or external partners, ensuring clear requirements, transparent communication, and efficient decision‑making.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issues, establish escalation paths, and drive structured problem‑solving.
• Monitor program KPIs and financials, prepare status reports for management, and ensure compliance with ZEISS processes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in program management methods, tools, and governance within the optical department and contribute to best‑practice sharing across teams

Your Profile

• University degree in engineering, physics, optics, or a related technical field; additional qualification in project/program management is a plus.
• Several years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary development projects or programs, ideally involving optical or optoelectronic systems.
• Strong understanding of product development processes (from requirements and system design to validation and industrialization) in a high‑tech or MedTech/B2B environment.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority, with strong stakeholder and conflict‑management skills.
• Structured and analytical working style, experienced in planning, risk management, and the use of project management tools and KPIs.
• High level of ownership, resilience, and decision‑making capability, combined with a collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset.
• Very good communication skills in English; German is a strong advantage, as well as the willingness to work in an international, cross‑site environment.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Galina Elsenhans, Hannah Beutler, Ronan McHugh