An international engineering and technology consulting group, Fortil is based on an independent model and brings together more than 2,500 employees. With 30 offices in 14 countries, Fortil fosters entrepreneurial freedom and the development of individual potential.
Job Description
As part of the development of our activities in the canton of Vaud, we are looking for an Optical Systems Test Engineer (M/F).
Reporting to a technical manager, you will join a multidisciplinary R&D team involved in the development, integration and validation of advanced free-space optical communication systems operating in highly demanding environments.
The position is primarily focused on optical system testing and integration, including lasers, detectors, optical instrumentation and optomechanical assemblies. Experience with RF instrumentation, electronics and HW/SW integration will be considered a strong asset.
Working directly with experimental hardware, you will support the preparation and execution of test activities in cleanroom, laboratory and potentially field environments. You will progressively take responsibility for small to medium-sized test campaigns covering components, subsystems and end-to-end configurations.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, assemble, align and operate advanced optical and optomechanical test setups.
- Execute predefined test campaigns on optical components and subsystems in cleanroom, laboratory and field environments.
- Test and validate lasers, detectors, optical assemblies and optomechanical subsystems.
- Operate optical instrumentation and, where applicable, RF, electronic and software-controlled test equipment.
- Contribute to the integration of optical, optomechanical, electronic and HW/SW subsystems.
- Support end-to-end integration and system-level testing activities.
- Monitor test execution, identify abnormal behaviour and contribute to troubleshooting activities.
- Analyse test results against internal requirements, compliance matrices, technical specifications and supplier documentation.
- Assess component and subsystem performance, identify deviations and document technical findings.
- Prepare clear and accurate test procedures, test records and validation reports.
- Support the automation of test equipment and data acquisition activities.
- Contribute to proof-of-concepts and experimental demonstrators.
- Participate in formal and informal technical reviews.
- Support cleanroom and laboratory maintenance activities.
- Collaborate closely with optical, RF, electronic, software, mechanical and systems engineering teams.
YOUR PROFILE
You hold a Master’s degree in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics or another relevant engineering discipline.
You have at least three years of post‑graduate experience in an industrial R&D, test, integration or product‑development environment. Your background includes hands‑on work with optical systems, experimental test setups or multidisciplinary equipment.
You enjoy experimental engineering and working directly with complex hardware. You demonstrate a rigorous and analytical approach, strong troubleshooting abilities and excellent technical documentation skills.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in engineering, photonics, optics, applied physics or a related technical field.
- At least three years of relevant industrial experience after graduation.
- Practical experience in optical testing, system integration, instrumentation or experimental validation.
- Hands‑on experience preparing, assembling and operating optical test setups.
- Knowledge of lasers, detectors, optical components or optomechanical assemblies.
- Ability to execute structured test campaigns and analyse system or subsystem performance.
- Experience producing test procedures, validation reports and technical documentation.
- Ability to work from technical requirements, specifications and compliance matrices.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
- Rigorous, practical and hands‑on working approach.
- Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary and international R&D team.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Swiss or EU‑27 citizenship.
- Availability to work fully on‑site in the Lausanne area.
TECHNICAL ASSETS
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly valued:
- Free‑space optical communication systems.
- Optical communication architectures.
- Lasers, photodetectors and optical alignment.
- Optical and optomechanical integration.
- Optical metrology and precision instrumentation.
- RF instrumentation and radiofrequency testing.
- Mechatronics, electronics and HW/SW integration.
- Python‑based test automation and data analysis.
- Automated control of laboratory equipment.
- Cleanroom testing and integration activities.
- Low‑noise and low‑vibration environments.
- Telescopes and precision optomechanical equipment.
- Satellite communication systems and payload architectures.
- Aerospace, space, defence or advanced communication systems.
- Environmental testing or field‑based experimental campaigns.
LANGUAGES
- Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory.
- French is considered an asset but is not required.
WHY JOIN US
At Fortil, we implement concrete levers to support your growth and ensure a stimulating work environment:
- Continuous support for skill development.
- An ecosystem that encourages stepping out of your comfort zone.
- The opportunity to become a shareholder.
- Engagement in social and community projects.
- A dedicated parental support policy.
Fortil is committed to equal opportunities. All our positions are open to people with disabilities, regardless of gender, origin or sexual orientation.