Optical Engineer (m/f/d)

INLEAP Photonics GmbH; Hannover; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Creative freedom

Innovative environment

Interdisciplinary work

Flexible working hours

Central location

Job summary

INLEAP Photonics GmbH is seeking an Optical Engineer to design core optical technology for ultra-fast laser beam steering. You will develop optics for beam preparation, relay optics, and beam splitters, and plan verification tests for beam quality, wavefront, and jitter.

You will work with mechanics, electronics and software in an agile startup environment, contributing to projects with a hands-on mindset and strong team collaboration. Start date: immediately or by agreement.

Qualifications

• Degree in physics, optics or photonics with laser tech focus.
• Experience in optics development for industrial applications.
• Knowledge of optical metrology and materials science for optics.

Responsibilities

• Optical design and simulation for laser beam steering in Zemax/Quadoa.
• Characterisation of laser sources and optical components; validate in real-time.
• Develop modular, scalable optical assemblies for partner systems.
• Root cause analysis to minimise aberrations and losses; optimise thermal effects.
• Collaborate with mechanics, electronics and software for integrated solutions.

Skills

Hands-on mentality

Teamwork in agile start-up

Strong English skills

Optics development experience

Metrology knowledge

Mass production scaling of assemblies

Education

Master's degree in physics/optics/photonics

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Quadoa

Job description

At INLEAP Photonics, we develop innovative and ultra-fast laser system technology for industrial and safety-critical applications. In addition to optimising laser processes in manufacturing, we also work on high-precision systems for drone defence. Our goal is to set new standards in productivity and precision with maximum safety, reliability and efficiency.

To Further Develop And Scale Our INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® Technology For Both Industrial Applications And Safety‑critical Scenarios Such As Drone Defence, We Are Looking To Strengthen Our Team In The Field Of Optics Development

Optical Engineer (m/f/d)

As an Optical Engineer (m/f/d), you will design the core optical technology of our innovative laser beam steering systems. You will develop and optimise optics and imaging for ultra-fast laser beam steering, including beam preparation, relay optics, aperture optics and beam splitters. You will plan and carry out verification and performance tests, for example beam quality, wavefront, pointing stability and jitter, integrate sources and sensors, and develop algorithms for beam shaping and spot multiplexing. You will also expand the platform to additional wavelength ranges and define tolerance and manufacturing concepts for series production.

Your Tasks

• Optical design and simulation for innovative laser beam steering, for example in Zemax OpticStudio or Quadoa, including tolerance analyses.
• Characterisation of laser sources and optical components, wavefront and pointing stability, as well as validation in real‑time applications.
• Development of modular, scalable optical assemblies for integration into partner systems, including interface definition.
• Root cause analysis and optimisation to minimise aberrations, power losses and thermal effects.
• Close cooperation with mechanics, electronics and software for integrated system solutions, including assembly and adjustment concepts.

Your Qualifications And Skills

• Degree in physics, optics or photonics (master's/diploma) with a focus on laser technology.
• Practical experience in optics development for industrial applications.
• Knowledge of optical metrology (interferometry, beam profiling) and materials science for optical components.
• Anticipated scaling skills: expertise in the mass production of optical assemblies (e.g. tolerance management for cost-effective scaling) and adaptation to various wavelengths for new markets such as e-mobility.
• Hands-on mentality, good English skills and ability to work in a team in an agile start‑up environment.

Start Date

• Immediately or by agreement

What We Offer

• Creative freedom: Work directly on the further development of our INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® technology and actively contribute your own ideas.
• Innovative environment: Develop optical solutions for pixel-based, ultra-fast laser beam steering with a measurable impact in electronics manufacturing and safety-related areas.
• Interdisciplinary work: Work closely with experts in mechanics, electronics and software with short decision‑making processes and genuine team spirit.
• Flexibility & prospects: Benefit from flexible working hours, a high degree of personal responsibility and development opportunities in a growing high‑tech company.
• Central location: Our location in Hanover is centrally located (Hans-Böckler-Allee 20, 30173 Hanover) and offers excellent transport links and short distances.

About INLEAP Photonics

INLEAP Photonics is a high-tech company specialising in ultra-fast and high-precision laser beam steering systems. The company focuses on two key applications: increasing efficiency in industrial manufacturing processes and providing safe, controlled drone defence solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure.

Founded as a spin‑off of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e. V., INLEAP Photonics combines industrial robustness with leading expertise in optics and laser systems.