R&D Engineer: Micro-Optics / Diffractive Optics (m/f/d)

Kooku Recruiting GmbH; Berlin; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

28–30 days annual leave

Professional training and development

Job summary

HOLOEYE Photonics, based in Berlin-Adlershof, develops spatial light modulators and diffractive micro‑optics. We seek an optical design engineer to design and simulate micro‑ and nano‑structures, and to generate manufacturing data for fabrication of optical components.

You will onboard in the first 3–6 months by creating your own designs, evaluating their performance after fabrication, and integrating into our workflows.

Qualifications

• University degree (Bachelor's/Master's or equivalent) in a STEM field.
• Solid understanding of optical principles; familiarity with Fourier optics, diffraction and wave optics.
• Programming experience with Python, C++, or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate optical micro- and nano-structures for optical components (diffractive elements).
• Generate manufacturing data for fabrication of micro- and nano-optical structures.
• Analyze results from optical and surface measurements to optimize process parameters.
• During 3–6 months onboarding, develop your own designs and evaluate performance after fabrication.

Skills

Optical principles

English (C2)

German (B2/C1)

Analytical mindset

Structured working style

Education

University degree in STEM

Tools

Python

C++

MATLAB

LabVIEW

RCWA

FDTD

LightTrans VirtualLab

Zemax

Job description

HOLOEYE Photonics is one of the leading providers of spatial light modulators based on liquid crystal microdisplays and diffractive optical elements for scientific and industrial applications. Our Development, Engineering, and Technical Sales teams are based in Berlin-Adlershof, Germany.

Our international team of 40 employees supports research institutions and industrial customers worldwide with static diffractive micro‑optics and adaptive spatial light modulators. HOLOEYE offers both standard components and customized solutions tailored to customer requirements.

Use Case

HOLOEYE's solutions are used worldwide for applications such as laser beam splitting, beam shaping, and the generation of structured light. Typical application areas include laser projection, LiDAR, 3D cameras, 3D sensing, and facial recognition.

Your Team

Our Diffractive Optics team consists of five specialists covering the entire product specification process. This includes customer interaction, specification, optical design and simulation, preparation of manufacturing data, supplier communication, and in‑house optical laboratory testing.

Tech & Tool Stack

• Design & Simulation: Proprietary software based on Python and C++, commercial software (e.g., LightTrans VirtualLab & Zemax)
• Software Development: Python, C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW
• AI Support: Various AI tools, including Anthropic and Mistral
• Optical Characterization & Surface Analysis: Laser diffraction, spectrometry, image processing, laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy
• Project Management: Atlassian Jira
• Documentation: Atlassian Confluence

Your Tasks

• Design and simulate optical micro‑ and nanostructures for optical components with dedicated functionalities (e.g., diffractive optical elements).
• Generate manufacturing data for the fabrication of micro‑ and nano‑optical structures.
• Analyze results from optical and surface characterization measurements to identify optimal process parameters for both initial and subsequent manufacturing iterations.
• During the first 3–6 months, onboard by developing your own optical designs and evaluating their performance after fabrication to identify optimization opportunities, becoming familiar with our products, workflows, and development processes.

Optional / Future Responsibilities

• Collaborate directly with customers, attend trade fairs and scientific conferences, and represent HOLOEYE at these events.
• Contribute to the qualification of manufacturing processes for micro‑ and nano‑optical structures, such as laser or electron‑beam lithography, reactive plasma etching, nanoimprint lithography, and replication processes.
• Perform optical measurements to characterize micro‑ and nano‑optical structures.

Requirements

• Education: University degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent) in a STEM discipline, such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or another natural science.
• Technical Skills: Solid understanding of optical principles, ideally combined with knowledge in two or three of the following areas: Fourier optics, diffraction and wave optics, lithography, laser technology, optical systems, or numerical diffraction simulations (e.g., RCWA, FDTD).
• Programming: Experience with at least one of Python, C++, or MATLAB.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to correlate simulation results with experimental data and derive meaningful conclusions for further optimization.
• Working Style: Structured, self‑organized, and systematic approach to work while thriving in a collaborative team environment and adapting to changing requirements.
• Languages: Fluent English (C2) and strong German skills (B2/C1).
• Mindset: Intrinsically motivated, curious, and solution‑oriented.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours with a working time account
• Hybrid working model
• 28–30 days of annual leave (depending on age)
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Free or discounted Urban Sports Club membership
• Company pension scheme
• Public transportation subsidy for the Berlin transit network
• Complimentary drinks as well as fresh fruit and vegetable baskets

Nadine Ehrhardt (Kooku Recruiting Partners on behalf of HOLOEYE Photonics AG)