Senior Optical Design Engineer

Kaleido Technology; Farum; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaleido Technology in Denmark seeks a Senior Optical Design Engineer to develop high-end optical products from requirements to qualification. You will design and tolerance complex optics in Zemax, prototype, and collaborate across international teams, while integrating software tools (Matlab/Python) with metrology and manufacturing processes.

The role combines hands-on optics, algorithm development, and system integration, with a strong emphasis on translating customer needs into practical

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional optical design experience.
• Strong knowledge of geometrical optics, aberrations, diffraction, imaging, and illumination.
• Hands-on experience building optical test setups and linking simulations to measurements.
• Advanced programming skills in Matlab and Python for custom tools.
• Excellent communication across multicultural teams in Denmark and China.
• Preferred: CGHs, lithographic optics, holography, precision manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Optical & Lens Design using Zemax including tolerancing and manufacturability.
• System integration translating customer requirements into optical solutions.
• Apply holography, interferometry, CGHs and compensation techniques.
• Build and commission optical test systems and analyze data.
• Develop custom Matlab/Python tools to interface with design and metrology.
• Collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, software, and process engineers.

Skills

Zemax design

Matlab/Python

Optical tolerance

System integration

Measurement & test

Education

MSc in Optical Engineering

PhD in Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

Interferometer

Python

Matlab

CGHs design

Job description

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Senior Optical Design Engineer to develop high‑end optical products and technologies from customer requirements through optical design, prototyping, manufacturing, and final qualification.

This is a highly flexible and varied role where priorities evolve as projects develop. One day you may be designing and tolerancing a sophisticated optical system in Zemax; the next you may be developing Matlab or Python algorithms to diagnose a problem in a high‑end CNC machining process, designing an optical measurement system, or working hands‑on in the laboratory with production engineers. The ideal candidate is a strong optical designer as well as a curious, analytical, and pragmatic engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems across traditional engineering boundaries.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Optical & Lens Design: Perform optical system and lens design using Zemax, including tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, optimization, and design for manufacturability.
• System Integration: Translate customer requirements into practical optical solutions (imaging systems, non‑imaging systems, precision opto‑mechanical assemblies) with assembly, alignment, and measurement in mind.
• Advanced Optical Techniques: Design and apply strategies involving holography, interferometry, computer‑generated holograms (CGHs), and compensation strategies.
• Lab & Production Diagnostics: Build and commission optical test systems, analyze measurement data, and conduct hands‑on laboratory work to troubleshoot complex optical and manufacturing issues.
• Software Development: Write custom algorithms, models, and analysis tools using Matlab and/or Python to interface with optical design and measurement systems or support manufacturing processes.
• Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical, manufacturing, software, and process engineers, and participate in customer meetings to clarify specs and present designs.

Education & Experience

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with a strong emphasis on classical optics.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in optical design and development.
• Deep, practical knowledge of geometrical optics, aberrations, diffraction, imaging, and illumination.
• Demonstrated ability to build optical test setups, perform hands‑on experimentation, and connect simulation results with real‑world physical measurements.
• Strong mathematical and programming skills (Matlab/Python) to develop custom tools rather than rely solely on existing off‑the‑shelf software.
• Excellent communication skills, with comfort collaborating across fast‑paced, fast‑changing, and multicultural environments (including teams in Denmark and China).
• Advantage: Experience with CGHs, lithographic optics, holography, precision optical manufacturing, CNC/production process integration, photonic interconnects, photonic integrated circuits (PIC)

What We Offer

• High degree of responsibility and variety working on high‑end precision optics.
• A role that bridges optical design, experimental optics, custom software development, metrology, and advanced manufacturing.
• Close collaboration with experienced international teams solving complex technical problems where conventional solutions fall short.