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VP of Research & Development (VP R&D)


Location: Ness Ziona, Israel | Reports to: CEO | 

Status: Member of the Executive Management Team   

 

About Us 

OFIL is a pioneering company in the development and sales of electro-optical systems tailored for the electric utility market. We develop hardware and software products used by utilities and industrial customers worldwide to inspect and diagnose mid- and high-voltage electrical assets. 

 

Job Description 

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on technology leader to head our Research & Development front. As a member of the senior executive team reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold comprehensive responsibility for driving all R&D activities.  

This role demands a unique blend of strategic business acumen and deep technical expertise to lead the development of next-generation electro-optical systems, UV camera technologies, and specialized payloads for airborne, UAV, and handheld applications.
 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Team Leadership & Organizational Excellence: Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing R&D department, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous problem-solving. 



  • Project and Task Management:  Big picture and day-by-day management of various projects, which include new products, support of legacy products, and EOL tasks. 



  • Product Development & Engineering Execution: Oversee the full product lifecycle  of complex hardware-software integrated products. Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams across fields such as: 



  • Optical & Mechanical Engineering: Precision structures, thermal management, and robust enclosures. 



  • Embedded Systems & Hardware: Integration of single-board computers (Qualcomm, NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi), microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32), and custom PCBs. 



  • Software & UI/UX: Advanced GUI development, real-time signal processing, and system integration. 



  • Integration: Ensure seamless integration of payloads with third-party ecosystems, such as commercial UAV platforms and industrial inspection networks. 



  • Operations & Budgeting: Construct, manage, and oversee annual work plans, R&D budgets, risk management strategies, and resource allocation.   



  • From R&D to Production: Take full ownership of NPI processes, production engineering, and the continuous optimization of existing products.  


Including developing and maintaining testing equipment, production tools and Jigs  

  • Interface Management: Maintain close collaboration with strategic suppliers, subcontractors, customers and internal interfaces (Production, Product, Marketing, and Sales).   



  • Job Requirements 



  • Education: B.Sc. in Electronic, Mechanical, or Electro-Optics Engineering, or Physics – Required. M.Sc. or MBA – A significant advantage.   



  • Professional Experience: At least 10 years of experience in complex technological product development, with deep and proven experience in multi-disciplinary systems – Required.   



  • Management Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a management role  within a multi-disciplinary company.   



  • Hands-on Approach: Ability and willingness to be actively involved in day-to-day development details, resolve engineering challenges, conduct Design Reviews, work closely with development teams, and make high-level technical decisions.   



  • Methodologies & Tools: Proven experience in managing budgets and complex work plans. Proficiency with systems such as MS Project, SolidWorks, PDM, Excel, Jira, Git, and Priority.   



  • Technological Innovation: Practical experience or deep familiarity with AI tools and their integration into advanced development processes (e.g., Cursor, GitHub Copilot, etc.).   



  • Ideal Candidate Profile 


We are looking for a core engineer at heart, possessing sharp systemic vision and strategic macro-thinking, combined with a practical “hands-on” approach when needed. You should be an inspiring and charismatic leader capable of driving employees and cross-functional interfaces, solving complex technological challenges, and leading the company toward business and technological growth.   

To Apply 

Please submit your CV to: [email protected] 

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