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

zerothird; Wien; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH seeks an optical engineer to advance micro- and fiber-optical satellite assemblies. You will run optical simulations, develop designs, and document decisions with our physicists and engineers.

You will build, align and test optical setups, verify performance under thermal and mechanical loads, and push toward flight hardware readiness with Zemax and polarization optics. The role is based in Vienna, with on-site lab work and English communication requisite;

Qualifications

• Degree in optics, photonics, physics, optical engineering or related field.
• Experience developing micro-optical or fiber-optical assemblies.
• Solid Zemax knowledge and understanding of tolerances.
• Good understanding of polarization optics.
• Practical experience building, aligning and characterising optical setups.
• Ability to translate simulations to practical design improvements.
• Experience documenting engineering decisions in interdisciplinary teams.
• Independent, structured work approach with good English communication.

Responsibilities

• Optical simulation: Develop and maintain Zemax models and perform tolerance analyses.
• Design development: Advance micro-optical and fiber-optical designs for flight hardware.
• Optomechanical performance: Assess how displacements, deformations and temperature affect optical performance.
• Verification: Design measurement setups and compare results with simulations.
• Laboratory work: Plan, build, align and characterize optical setups; contribute to prototype assembly.
• Documentation: Prepare design documents, simulation reports and test reports.
• Components and suppliers: Select components and discuss technical requirements with suppliers.
• Integration: Support product integration across optoelectronics, electronics, optomechanics and software.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax

Lab experiments

Polarization optics

English communication

Education

Degree in optics, photonics, physics, optical engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

MATLAB

Python

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!