Senior Optical Engineer

Role Overview

• Design and specify concept and detailed designs for complex optical systems, aligned with functional and performance requirements.
• Lead the integration of optical components with mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems, ensuring seamless product functionality.
• Drive development projects, providing technical leadership and mentoring junior engineers on optical design and problem-solving.
• Develop and implement qualification and validation test plans to verify optical system performance and reliability.
• Innovate and push the boundaries of optical technology by researching and developing novel optical concepts and solutions.
• Manage collaborations with laser suppliers and external partners to ensure alignment with ambitious product milestones.
• Participate actively in design reviews of relevant modules, ensuring manufacturability and adherence to regulatory and quality standards.

Requirements

• 7+ years of hands-on experience designing, developing and validating advanced optical systems, preferably high-peak power laser beam transport systems.
• Expertise in optical design principles, materials, coatings, and testing methods, with demonstrated experience in ultra-short pulse laser systems is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary projects and collaborate effectively with engineers from mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience, guiding teams and influencing project direction.
• Solid knowledge of precision mechanics and opto-mechanical design principles to support integration efforts.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of developing and validating innovative solutions.
• Proactive communicator with the ability to clearly present complex optical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

• A chance to help shape a cutting-edge deep-tech venture at the intersection of photonics, nuclear physics, AI, and plasma science.
• Daily collaboration with leading experts in laser physics, nuclear diagnostics, machine learning, and plasma physics from top academic and industrial partners.
• A meaningful mission: contribute to solving global challenges like nuclear waste safety, critical infrastructure protection, and the transition to clean energy.
• Access to high-end experimental setups, large-scale laser systems, and simulation environments ideal for hands-on learning and technical growth.
• Strong personal development opportunities with early responsibility, exposure to the full innovation cycle, and support for publishing or attending conferences.
• A vibrant, collaborative team culture that combines scientific depth with startup energy: flat hierarchies, fast iterations, and room for your ideas.
• Flexibility through hybrid work models, adaptable hours, and a results-driven mindset.
• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
• Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.
• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
• Flexibility: We believe work should adapt to your life—not the other way around. That’s why we offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home when it suits you.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.
• Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.