Photonics Optical Technician

Cailabs; Rennes; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Cailabs in Rennes is seeking a production-focused engineer to join the Operations Department. You will participate in multiple stages of product assembly and work alongside optical engineers on R&D projects.

The role requires hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems, optical alignment and testing, and a Bac+2/3 in photonics or related field; the environment is fast-evolving and collaborative.

Qualifications

• 2- or 3-year higher education degree in photonic systems or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience in an industrial environment with opto-mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience in alignment and testing of optical components.

Responsibilities

• Assembling and aligning innovative optical systems.
• Performing performance testing of optical systems.
• Recording system and subsystem performance data and ensuring measurement reliability.
• Troubleshooting and resolving medium-complexity technical issues.
• Contributing to the drafting and updating of operating procedures.
• Supporting the definition of qualification processes for R&D projects.

Skills

Optical alignment

Optical testing

Troubleshooting

Manual dexterity

Team collaboration

Autonomous/adaptable

Education

Bac+2/3 in photonic systems

LIOVIS - Optical Instrumentation, Vision and Imaging Systems

Tools

UV bonding

Micro-positioning

Measurement equipment

Job description

The company

Founded in 2013, Cailabs designs, manufactures, and develops innovative photonic solutions for the space, industry, telecommunications, and defense sectors. A global specialist in laser shaping, the company has accelerated its growth in the space field with turnkey optical ground stations that integrate atmospheric turbulence compensation technology. This makes it one of the first companies to harness very high data rates enabled by optics in a commercial ground station.

Cailabs currently has more than 200 employees, including 41PhDs. With 29 patent families filed, the company is one of the most innovative companies in France. It is headquartered in Rennes, with offices in Paris and Washington (USA).

Post description

Are you looking to put your skills in component assembly into practice and further develop them within the field of optics?

Would you like to contribute to the manufacturing of products based on Cailabs’ core technology?

Join the Cailabs Operations Department!

As part of the Production team, reporting to the Workshop Manager, you will be involved in multiple stages of product assembly and actively contribute to R&D projects alongside optical engineers.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Assembling and aligning innovative optical systems,
• Performing performance testing of optical systems,
• Recording system and subsystem performance data and ensuring measurement reliability,
• Troubleshooting and resolving medium-complexity technical issues,
• Contributing to the drafting and updating of operating procedures,
• Supporting the definition of qualification processes for R&D projects (product robustness, environmental chamber testing, performance limit characterization, etc.).

Profile required

• You hold a 2- or 3-year higher education degree (Bac+2/3) in photonic systems or an equivalent qualification, ideally a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Optical Instrumentation, Vision and Imaging Systems (LIOVIS).
• You have at least 2 years of experience in an industrial environment and have worked on opto-mechanical systems.
• You have collaborated closely with engineers on technical projects.
• You have hands-on experience in the alignment and testing of optical components.
• You possess knowledge of UV bonding and micro-positioning of free-space optical components.
• You are meticulous, rigorous, and well organized; the position requires a high level of manual dexterity.
• You are comfortable using standard computer tools and software.
• You are autonomous, proactive, and adaptable to a fast-evolving environment.
• Your strong interpersonal skills enable you to work effectively with both Operations teams and R&D Technical teams.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of electronics, including soldering and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) awareness.

What You'll Find at Cailabs

• A dynamic team of engineers and PhD holders who share your enthusiasm for applying their expertise to challenging technical projects.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment that fosters innovation and continuous learning.
• A company at the forefront of technology, involved in the full product lifecycle—from prototype development through to industrialization.