Cleanroom Operator for Space Optics

cosine Research BV; Sassenheim; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options (Partial from home

Performance bonus

27 days annual leave

Personal development budget

Company bicycle and fitness plans

Initial one-year contract with long‑er

Job summary

cosine is seeking a hands-on Cleanroom Operator to handle and inspect ultra-sensitive silicon components used in space instrumentation. You will work in a state-of-the-art cleanroom, performing inspections and supporting assembly of optical components for space missions.

Ideal candidates are meticulous, curious, with strong manual dexterity and a passion for precision engineering, contributing to high-quality outcomes in a multidisciplinary space-focused environment.

Qualifications

• MBO or HBO level education in a technical, laboratory or manufacturing-related field.
• Strong sense of responsibility and commitment to high-quality work.
• Excellent attention to detail and manual dexterity for handling fragile components.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn complex technologies and processes.
• Experience in production/cleanroom/quality-driven environments is a strong advantage.
• Good English communication; Dutch is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work extensively in a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment, handling delicate and high-value silicon components.
• Perform inspections and quality checks on silicon plates using standardized procedures and advanced equipment.
• Support the preparation, stacking and assembly of optical components for space applications.
• Accurately document inspection results, process data and quality findings according to established procedures.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists and quality specialists to improve processes and product quality.
• Take ownership of your work area and maintain high cleanroom, quality and safety standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Curiosity and willingness to learn

English communication

Affinity with space technology

Education

MBO or HBO level education (technical/lab/manufacturing)

Tools

Cleanroom equipment familiarity

Job description

Your (space) mission

As a Cleanroom Operator at cosine you help build the advanced optical components that will power future space missions. Working at the intersection of precision engineering and space exploration, you handle and inspect ultra-sensitive silicon components that may ultimately become part of a telescope operating hundreds of thousands of kilometres from Earth.
This is a role for someone who enjoys working with their hands, takes pride in precision, and understands that exceptional quality is achieved through attention to the smallest details. Every component you touch has the potential to become part of a space instrument that will operate far beyond Earth for years to come.

Tasks & responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Work extensively in a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment, handling delicate and high-value silicon components
• Perform inspections and quality checks on silicon plates using standardized procedures and advanced equipment
• Support the preparation, stacking and assembly of optical components for space applications
• Accurately document inspection results, process data and quality findings according to established procedures
• Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists and quality specialists to continuously improve processes and product quality
• Take ownership of your work area and contribute to maintaining the highest cleanroom, quality and safety standards

Your profile

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• MBO or HBO level education, preferably in a technical, laboratory or manufacturing-related field
• A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Excellent attention to detail and manual dexterity for handling fragile and precision-engineered components
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn and understand complex technologies and processes
• Experience in a production, cleanroom, medical, pharmaceutical or other quality-driven technical environment is a strong advantage
• Good communication skills in English; Dutch is considered a plus
• Affinity with technology, innovation and the space sector

What we offer

At cosine, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:

• A unique, international working environment at the intersection of physics and engineering
• A competitive salary
• 27 days of annual leave (based on full-time employment)
• Annual bonus based on personal and company performance
• Hybrid working options, including the possibility to work partially from home
• Company bicycle and fitness plans
• A personal development budget
• Initial one-year contract, with the aim of long-term collaboration

About cosine

Founded in 1998, cosine is a world-leading developer of space instrumentation and measurement systems, making the invisible measurable and the complex actionable.
Its expertise spans High-Energy Optics, including optics developed for ESA's future NewAthena X-ray observatory, as well as remote sensing solutions for Earth Observation and planetary science.
With over 25 years of experience and advanced cleanroom and assembly facilities across the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, cosine brings deep scientific and engineering expertise to some of the most demanding missions in space and on Earth.
What makes cosine a unique place to work is that your work goes end-to-end: from concept and design to building, testing, and delivering hardware that actually flies in space. You work in small, highly skilled teams where you have real ownership and impact, alongside experts in optics, physics, nanofabrication, and systems engineering.
cosine is committed to providing an inclusive and equal opportunities work environment where everyone can thrive. As a proud member of the Women in Aerospace community, we recognise the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace.