Senior Optical Engineer

NKT Photonics A/S; Birkerød; On-site; DKK 449,005 - 577,293; Full time

Job summary

NKT Photonics A/S is seeking talented individuals in Birkerød, Denmark, to drive advancements in optical fiber technologies. As part of our R&D team, you will take ownership of fiber design development, engaging directly in cutting-edge projects that impact various fields including medical and life sciences.

The role requires a PhD and offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals in a vibrant, innovative company dedicated to shaping the future of optical technologies.

Qualifications

• Independent project management from concept to execution.
• Hands-on experience in an optical lab environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Own fiber design development, enhancing performance through patents.
• Contribute to next-generation fiber technologies.
• Design experimental setups for data analysis and improvements.
• Lead R&D projects and shape technological direction.

Skills

Fiber optics

Optical systems

Data analysis

Research project management

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Join us to Make an Impact Innovation is in our DNA. We invented supercontinuum lasers and photonic crystal fibers and we constantly reimagine how our products can be used and improved. Our customers use our products in medical and life science research, quantum computing and space exploration. We seek curious, creative and collaborative people to work in our cutting‑edge company. Shape the Future of Optical Fiber Technologies in Birkerød, Denmark.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of fiber design development, transforming experimental insights into tangible performance improvements while actively contributing to intellectual property and patent generation.
• Work hands‑on with advanced optical systems and contribute directly to the development of next‑generation fiber technologies.
• Design and operate experimental setups, including fiber characterization and amplifier systems, and analyze complex data to drive design improvements.
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams to advance fiber designs and materials used in optical amplifiers.
• Lead fiber R&D projects, shape technological direction, and continue to grow as a technical expert.

Qualifications

• Structured and independent approach to work, with the ability to manage development or research projects from concept through execution and reporting.
• Collaborative team player who values knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• Strong foundation in fiber optics and free‑space optics, combined with hands‑on experience in an optical lab environment.
• Comfortable setting up and troubleshooting optical systems and enjoy working experimentally as well as analytically.
• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is expected, together with a genuine interest in staying up to date with developments in fiber optics, fiber lasers, amplifiers, and material science.