Chief Operating Officer at Singular Photonics

City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

29 Jan, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Operations Leadership, Manufacturing Systems, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, Export Compliance, Project Management, Technical Collaboration, Startup Experience, Hands-On Approach, Problem-Solving, Systems Thinking, Interpersonal Skills, Resilience, Accountability, Entrepreneurial Mindset

Industry

Semiconductor Manufacturing

Description

Singular Photonics is a pioneering UK-based spin-out from the University of Edinburgh, designing and developing Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensors that advance the frontiers of imaging technology. Our solutions drive breakthroughs across LiDAR, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), spectroscopy, and time-resolved optical measurements, turning deep photonics expertise into commercially viable, high-impact products. Based in Scotland, we combine world-class research with real-world market impact. Tasks We are seeking a hands-on Chief Operating Officer to build and lead the operational foundation of Singular Photonics. This is a rare opportunity to shape a deep-tech startup’s journey from engineering prototypes to scalable, compliant commercial production. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will own operations across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, regulatory compliance, people operations, IT systems, and day-to-day business infrastructure, ensuring the company can reliably deliver products as it scales globally. What You’ll Do Lead the transition from lab prototypes to repeatable, scalable manufacturing processes. Establish operational systems: ERP, manufacturing execution, inventory, and quality frameworks. Build compliant supply chain, logistics, and export control processes for global markets. Drive operational excellence, including cost, quality, yield, and delivery performance. Own people operations, including hiring, performance management, HR policies, and culture-building. Oversee facilities, health & safety, and operational IT systems, ensuring readiness for scale. Collaborate closely with R&D to ensure products are manufacturable and market-ready. Act as a key member of the executive leadership team, translating company strategy into operational execution. Requirements What We’re Looking For Proven operations leadership (10+ years), ideally in scaling high-tech manufacturing. Deep experience bridging engineering innovation and commercial production. Expertise in manufacturing systems, supply chain, procurement, logistics, and export compliance. Strong project management and technical collaboration skills in a deep-tech environment. Startup or high-growth technology experience with a hands-on, pragmatic approach. Degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced qualifications advantageous. Key Attributes Pragmatic problem-solver with attention to detail and operational rigor. Systems thinker who can build scalable processes without bureaucracy. Collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills across technical and commercial teams. Resilient, accountable, and comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment. Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to adapt infrastructure to growth needs. Benefits What We Offer Competitive salary & benefits package Remote work flexibility, with occasional in-office collaboration for planning and innovation Career growth & training opportunities in advanced photonics and embedded systems Health & wellbeing support to help you thrive personally and professionally Collaborative, innovative culture where your input makes a real impact International exposure, working on projects that influence global imaging technology Work-life balance, with flexibility and support to recharge outside of work This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of one of the UK’s most innovative photonics companies. As COO, you will directly influence the transformation of breakthrough sensor technologies into commercial products, driving global delivery from the heart of Scotland.

Responsibilities

The COO will lead the transition from lab prototypes to scalable manufacturing processes and establish operational systems across various functions. They will ensure the company can reliably deliver products as it scales globally.