Project Director

Are you an experienced Project Director with a technical background? Do you thrive in complex, cross-functional environments and want to help shape cutting-edge solutions in critical infrastructure and underwater security? Join Optics11, a fast-growing high-tech scale-up revolutionizing optical fiber sensing.

Optics11 is a world leader in fiber optic sensing technology for ultra-sensitive early warning systems. From our base in the Netherlands – a global hub for high-tech innovation and maritime expertise – we are on a mission to make the world safer by protecting critical infrastructure such as sea-lanes, offshore energy assets and subsea cables from disruption. Optics11 recently closed a €17m investment round.

As a Project Director, you’ll lead high-impact development projects from concept to completion. Working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, you’ll ensure successful project delivery, customer satisfaction, and technical excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of end-to-end development projects, from integration of components to final delivery.

• Coordinate internal R&D efforts with procurement and supplier management.

• Act as the main point of contact for both internal stakeholders and clients.

• Monitor project progress and ensure alignment with technical, budgetary, and timeline expectations.

• Take charge of cost control and monthly project progress reporting.

• Lead or coordinate cross-functional teams throughout the design and delivery phases.

• Proactively solve challenges during the planning and execution phases.

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership and ensure transparent communication.

• Support feasibility studies, trials, and gap analysis to address evolving customer needs.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• A key project role in a high-tech scale-up with real impact.

• A dynamic international environment with short decision lines and plenty of room to grow.

• Hybrid working model for flexibility and work-life balance.

• A fun and collaborative team culture where innovation and initiative are valued.

Requirements:

You are a proactive, hands-on project leader with a technical edge and a passion for building innovative solutions. You have:

• Proven experience (7+ years) in leading complex product development projects.

• Strong background in engineering, physics, systems integration, or similar technical fields.

• Solid understanding of multidisciplinary project lifecycles (mechanics, electronics, software).

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Experience working in or with high-tech industries—preferably in defense, infrastructure, or sensing technologies.

• Ability to manage cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and external suppliers.

• Familiarity with cost control, risk management, and quality assurance processes.

• Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus).

• A strategic mindset with a hands-on approach.

You'll be working with clients in the defence and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening. 

More information:

So now you know we're doing awesome projects and if you see you fit the profile, we would like to get to know you. Apply and drop your details or, in case of questions, get in touch with our recruiter Dora Öveges via dora.oveges@optics11.com.