Rolex R&D Project Manager — Laser Technologies
- Location
- GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- May 16, 2026
About Rolex
Rolex is an independent Swiss watchmaker renowned for its technical excellence, vertical integration and uncompromising standards of precision. The maison combines advanced metallurgical and micro‑manufacturing capabilities with proprietary research and development to support iconic, high‑performance timepieces.
Rolex — R&D Project Manager, Laser Technologies in Geneva, Switzerland. Lead laser‑based R&D projects for precision watchmaking.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead end‑to‑end R&D projects focused on laser‑based processes and equipment for precision watch component manufacture.
- Define technical specifications, milestones, budgets and resource plans; drive timely delivery against project objectives.
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams including design, production, metrology, quality and procurement to ensure successful development and industrialisation.
- Design and execute experimental programmes, prototypes and validation tests; analyse results and translate findings into manufacturable solutions.
- Manage technical risk, conduct failure mode analysis and implement corrective actions to meet stringent quality and reliability targets.
- Oversee supplier selection, technical qualification and integration of third‑party laser systems and subassemblies.
- Ensure compliance with laser safety regulations and standards and maintain detailed project documentation and IP records.
- Present project status and technical recommendations to stakeholders and contribute to the R&D roadmap and technology scouting.
Qualifications
- Advanced engineering degree (MSc or equivalent) in optics/photonics, physics, mechanical engineering, materials science or closely related discipline.
- Demonstrable expertise in laser technologies (e.g., micromachining, laser welding, laser material processing) and associated metrology.
- Proven track record of managing complex R&D projects, with responsibility for timelines, budgets and cross‑disciplinary teams.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in experimental design, data analysis and root‑cause problem solving.
- Familiarity with laser safety standards (IEC 60825 or equivalent) and experience implementing safety controls in an industrial environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Experience in precision manufacturing or microtechnology (watchmaking experience is advantageous).
Skills
Experience
Typically requires a minimum of five years in R&D or application engineering working with industrial laser systems or microfabrication processes, including prior project leadership and cross‑functional coordination; experience within precision manufacturing or horology is a strong advantage.
Education
Master's degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or equivalent.
Workplace
This position is based in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Culture
Rolex cultivates a culture of technical rigour, discretion and long‑term stewardship, emphasising incremental innovation and exceptional manufacturing quality. Teams operate within a highly disciplined Swiss engineering environment where precision, reliability and confidentiality are core values.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Rolex, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «R&D Project Leader, Laser Systems», «Laser Process Development Manager», «Research Engineer — Laser Technologies», «Optical Systems Project Manager», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.