Optical Development Engineer – Micro- & Fiber Optics for Space (m/f/d)

qtlabs - Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH; Wien; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH in Vienna seeks an experienced optical engineer to advance micro- and fiber-optical assemblies for satellites, maintaining optical performance under thermal and mechanical loads.

You will combine optical simulation, design development and hands-on lab work, collaborating with physicists and engineers to verify performance and translate insights into robust flight hardware.

Qualifications

• Degree in optics, photonics, physics, optical engineering or equivalent.
• Experience developing micro-optical or fiber-optical assemblies.
• Strong Zemax knowledge and tolerance analysis.
• Good understanding of polarization optics.
• Experience building, aligning and characterising optical setups.
• Ability to connect simulations with experimental results.
• Experience documenting engineering decisions in reports.
• English communication and independent, structured work style.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Zemax models to estimate optical performance.
• Advance micro-optical and fiber-optical designs for flight hardware.
• Evaluate displacements and temperature effects on optical performance.
• Design verification setups, define measurement methods and acceptance criteria.
• Plan, build, align and characterise optical setups.
• Prepare design documents, simulation reports and specifications.
• Support procurement discussions with suppliers.
• Assist interdisciplinary product integration across teams.

Skills

Zemax

Polarization optics

Optical design

Lab work

English communication

Education

Degree in optics/photics/physics

Tools

Zemax

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Join Our Mission to Advance Quantum Communication in Space

At Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH (qtlabs), we are at the forefront of innovation in optical and quantum-based communication technologies. Our team develops cutting-edge quantum key distribution (QKD) systems and optoelectronic solutions for space and terrestrial applications. Based in Vienna, our center of excellence drives technological advancements that secures communication around the world.

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees!

About The Role

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience developing micro-optical or fiber-optical assemblies for satellites, especially where optical performance must be maintained under thermal and mechanical loads.

You will combine optical simulation, design development and documentation with regular hands-on laboratory work. Working closely with our physicists and mechanical and thermal engineering specialists, you will understand the behaviour of our existing systems, evaluate design improvements and develop methods to verify their performance.

We provide an introduction to our technology and regular technical design reviews. Our team can support you in developing deeper expertise in nonlinear and quantum optics.

Your Responsibilities

• Optical simulation: Develop and maintain Zemax models, estimate optical performance, and perform sensitivity and tolerance analyses to guide component selection, alignment and assembly requirements.
• Design development: Understand and advance our existing polarization-sensitive micro-optical and fiber-optical designs. Propose, discuss and implement improvements towards flight hardware.
• Optomechanical performance: Collaborate with mechanical and thermal engineering specialists to evaluate how predicted displacements, deformations and temperature changes affect optical performance.
• Verification: Design verification setups, define measurement methods and acceptance criteria, and compare experimental results with simulations and system requirements.
• Laboratory work: Independently plan, build, align and characterise optical setups, and contribute to prototype assembly and troubleshooting.
• Documentation: Prepare optical design documents, simulation reports, component specifications and test reports, clearly recording design decisions and verification results.
• Components and suppliers: Select suitable micro-optical, bulk-optical and fiber-optical components, support procurement, and discuss technical requirements with suppliers.
• Integration: Support interdisciplinary product integration across optoelectronics, electronics, optomechanics, thermomechanical design and software.

Your background

We are looking for someone with relevant optical development experience and expertise in several of the following areas. We do not expect candidates to have experience in every topic listed.

• A degree in optics, photonics, physics, optical engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Experience developing micro-optical or fiber-optical assemblies.
• Solid working knowledge of Zemax, with an understanding of optical tolerances and a willingness to deepen your expertise in tolerance analysis.
• A good understanding of polarization optics.
• Practical experience building, aligning and characterising optical setups.
• The ability to connect simulations with experimental results and translate findings into practical design improvements.
• Experience preparing clear technical documentation and discussing engineering decisions within an interdisciplinary team.
• An independent, structured approach to work and good communication skills in English.

Experience we particularly value

• Development of micro-optical or fiber-optical hardware for satellites, ideally including environmental verification and progression towards flight hardware.
• Maintaining optical performance under temperature changes, vibration and shock.
• Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Test (MAIT), including micro-optical bonding, alignment, fiber routing or fusion splicing.
• Familiarity with manufacturers and suppliers of micro-optics, bulk optics and fiber optics.
• Nonlinear optics or quantum optics, including SPDC, entangled photon sources and single-photon measurements.
• MATLAB or Python for calculations, data analysis and supporting simulation workflows.

Join our team

Help us bring compact quantum optical systems from laboratory prototypes to satellite flight hardware. You will contribute directly to optical design and verification, supported by colleagues with expertise in quantum optics and mechanical and thermal engineering.

We welcome international applications. The position is based in Vienna and includes regular on-site laboratory work.

Candidates available to start in the near term are especially encouraged to apply. Please include your earliest possible starting date in your application.

The minimum gross salary for this position is € 3.157,47 per month (based on full-time employment) in accordance with the collective agreement. However, there is a willingness to offer a higher salary depending on experience and qualifications.

We look forward to receiving your application!