Fiber R&D Director

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year, the company manufactures thousands of miles of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as medium low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice, video and data transmission for the telecommunication sector. We are 30,000 employees, across 50+ countries. Everyone at Prysmian has the potential to make their mark; because whatever you do, wherever you are based, you will be part of a company that is helping transform the world around us.

Fiber R&D Director, North America

About the Role

You will drive innovation in fiber technology, influence the global roadmap, and define performance and sustainability standards for our products. Ultimately, you will play a key role in R&D governance, guiding investments and leading multidisciplinary teams to accelerate transformation across the industry. You will lead the know-how transfer into Claremont factory and support the local plant strategic evolution to meet the DS market demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the Fiber R&D strategy for Claremont Plant
• Shape the long-term vision for innovative and sustainable materials increasing sustainable sources and reduce dependency in terms of solutions and suppliers
• Partner with Cable R&D to improve know-how sharing and to align on the respective strategic agenda
• Together with Manufacturing and the related supporting functions design new machines and equipment to evolve and innovate our production capabilities
• Structure the team and processes to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
• Establish a clear roadmap for fiber developments, integrating market and regulatory requirements.
• Initiate strategic partnerships with academic and industrial stakeholders.
• Implement performance indicators to measure innovation impact.
• Develop and optimize processes in order to improve output and efficiencies KPIs (Yields) while reducing the overall Fiber cost
• Partnering with Process control team in order to stabilize newly developed processes to avoid drifting of operational efficiency
• Conduct experimental trials and analyze results to improve deposition efficiency and fiber quality
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards during process development.
• Document findings and contribute to technical reports and publications.
• Support technology transfer from R&D to industrial scale-up, including pilot line activities.
• Represent the company in strategic partnerships and industry consortiums.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in R&D roles within fiber optics or advanced materials.
• 5+ years of previous managerial or leadership experience in a technical environment.
• Experience with PCVD or similar deposition technologies is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and material properties.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with safety and environmental compliance standards.

Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across multicultural teams.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to drive innovation and change.

Prysmian, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, aims to attract and recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities.

We strongly believe that diversity brings significant value at all levels of the organization, increasing the possibility of capturing market opportunities and maximizing value for our customers and stakeholders.

With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) as part of our Social Ambition 2030 and a strategic pillar of our Company culture, Prysmian is committed to the development of an organization that prioritizes talent, where people feel respected, included, and free to fully express their potential just as they are.

All Managers and HRs in Prysmian are responsible for ensuring DE&I policies are respected during the recruiting process, as well as recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases that must not influence our selection processes.

All persons will be considered for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, origin, citizenship status, socio-economic status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, parental leave, medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Prysmian will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation for any disclosed physical or neurological condition or disability of a qualified applicant unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

Visit our DE&I Page to learn more about Prysmian’s commitments.

Your application data will be treated according to our Data Protection Policy. If you believe you require assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Prysmian is a global cabling solutions provider leading the energy transition and digital transformation. By leveraging its wide geographical footprint and extensive product range, its track record of technological leadership and innovation, and a strong customer base, the company is well-placed to capitalise on its leading positions and win in new, growing markets.

Prysmian’s business strategy perfectly matches key market drivers by developing resilient, high-performing, sustainable and innovative cable solutions in the segments of Transmission, Power Grid, Electrification and Digital Solutions.

Prysmian is a public company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, with almost 150 years of experience, about 30,000 employees, 108 plants and 26 R&D centres in over 50 countries, and sales of over €15 billion in 2023.