Free Space Optical Communication Expert

FSO Instruments; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days off

8% vacation allowance

Hybrid work: up to 2 days remote

Pension plan at Zwitserleven

Funding for training and courses

Job summary

FSO Instruments is seeking a Free Space Optical Communication Expert to design, implement and optimize FSO links for space-related applications. You will work in multidisciplinary teams on lab and field tests, focusing on wavefront errors, SNR, BER, and overall system performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership in projects with a strong focus on delivering reliable optical communications between satellites, aircraft, drones, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Free Space Optical Communication systems.
• Hands-on experience with Fiber and Free Space Optics laboratory setups.
• Strong understanding of SNR, BER, and link budget analysis.
• Experience with optical design and simulation tools (Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python).
• Knowledge of adaptive optics, beam steering, and pointing error.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test FSO communication systems in laboratory and field environments.
• Work on setup, alignment, and calibration of optical communication testbeds.
• Analyze and optimize system performance based on SNR, BER, and wavefront error metrics.
• Conduct R&D in laser beam propagation and atmospheric turbulence mitigation.
• Collaborate with HW, SW, Mechanical engineers to enhance system capabilities.
• Document experimental findings, prepare technical reports, and present results to stakeholders.
• Lead projects and deliver on time basis.

Skills

FSO systems

Laboratory setups

Link budget analysis

Wavefront errors

Optical design tools

Adaptive optics

Beam steering

Pointing error

MATLAB

Tools

Zemax

Code_V

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Are you a proactive team player with experience & knowledge optical communication in space who likes to work in multidisciplinary teams on the development of a variety of products? Then you are the FSO (Free Space Optical) Communication Expert we’re looking for!

Imagine a world where data flows instantly between earth and space, providing real-time access to life-saving services and strengthening global security with unbreakable communication lines. This is the future we are building.

Join us as a Free Space Optical Communication Expert (m/w/x) – and help us build that future!

We are looking for a highly skilled expert in Free Space Optics (FSO) with ideally over five years of hands-on experience in optical communication systems. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize FSO communication links, tackling challenges related to optical wavefront errors, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), bit error rate (BER), and overall system performance.

About FSO

FSO Instruments is at the forefront of developing advanced laser satellite communication technology. Together with our partners and shareholders we are committed to strengthening the Dutch space industry and pushing the boundaries of communication systems to enable faster, more reliable, and secure connections between satellites, airplanes, drones and ground stations. By pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, we are shaping the future of space communication, both locally and globally.

FSO Instruments is a Joint Venture between DEMCON and VDL that develops and manufactures optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. FSO Instruments combines the strengths of DEMCON and VDL ETG, inspired by TNO technologies, to let laser satellite communication take the step towards industrialization. We have strong heritage in Semiconductor and Aerospace, and bring this to optical communications:

• Developing and engineering of laser communication terminals
• Modular and Standardized functional (sub-)systems for laser communication
• High tech contract manufacturing expertise for cost-effective high-volume production.

At FSO Instruments we work closely with dedicated partners for development and supply, as well as with our parent companies to ensure we achieve the most competitive products for the market for optical communications in space.

Your Tasks

• Design, develop, and test FSO communication systems in laboratory and field environments.
• Work on the setup, alignment, and calibration of optical communication testbeds.
• Analyze and optimize system performance based on SNR, BER, and wavefront error metrics.
• Conduct research and development in laser beam propagation, atmospheric turbulence mitigation, optical amplifiers and adaptive optics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including HW, SW, Mechanical engineers to enhance system capabilities.
• Document experimental findings, prepare technical reports, and present results to stakeholders.
• Leading projects and delivering on time basis

What do you bring?

• 5+ years of experience in Free Space Optical Communication systems.
• Hands-on experience with Fiber and Free Space Optics laboratory setups
• Familiar with communication standards like SDA and ESTOL and associated error coding and interleaving solutions.
• Strong understanding of optical wavefront errors, SNR, BER, and link budget analysis.
• Experience with using optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools).
• Knowledge of adaptive optics, beam steering, and pointing error.

Our Offer

At FSO Instruments we have a ‘flat’ organization where people can easily find and help each other. We value a comfortable and inclusive workplace. There is a lot of emphasis put on personal needs and we discourage overtime, because we know how important work-life balance is.

Furthermore, you can count on, among other things:

• A good, market-based salary;
• 31 days off and 8% vacation allowance;
• Possibility to work from home, maximum 2 days a week.
• A good pension plan at Zwitserleven;
• The opportunity to follow training and courses, or externally, so you can further develop your knowledge;