Optics Engineer

Nearfield Instruments; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nearfield Instruments in Rotterdam seeks an Optics Engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge optical modules for advanced semiconductor metrology systems. You will interpret system-level requirements, manage the full design lifecycle, and collaborate closely with a diverse team of experts.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in Physics or Opto-Mechanical Engineering, along with over 5 years of relevant experience. A passion for precision and strong communication skills are crucial for this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in opto-mechanical design.
• Strong track record in the industrialization aspect of design.
• Experience in multi-disciplinary development projects from concept to release.

Responsibilities

• Interpret system level requirements and translate them to optical performance metrics.
• Take technical ownership of development projects.
• Make key design decisions and handle opto-mechanical integration.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Modelling and simulation tools

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Data-driven mindset

Education

MSc in Physics or Opto-Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

SolidWorks

Python

Job description

To keep pace with the soaring demand for semiconductor performance and precision, Nearfield Instruments is developing and building cutting‑edge 3D metrology systems. As an optics engineer in the functional teams of navigation and MAFM, you will take the technical lead for one or more critical optical modules in our revolutionary machines. Bridging the gap between system‑level ambitions and design execution, you'll translate performance requirements into clear, realizable concepts, and ensure they’re delivered with excellence.

Would you like to work at the forefront of high‑tech innovation while playing a key role in our next stage of growth? Join us and lead the development of next‑generation metrology solutions with direct impact on our clients and the semiconductor industry worldwide.

What you’re going to do

As an optics design engineer, you are technically responsible for the optical modules in our products — from the first concept to volume production and beyond. Working closely with System Engineering and the Architects, you will convert system‑level KPIs into concrete designs. You’ll participate in multidisciplinary teams for the design and realization of complex high‑precision modules, ensuring they meet specifications across performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost etc.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Interpret system level requirements and translate them to optical performance metrics and design into optical module part of the system.
• Taking technical ownership of development projects for your optical module, ensuring alignment between disciplines and stakeholders.
• Making key design decisions — including optics system design by use of optics modelling and sensitivity and tolerance analysis.
• Opto‑mechanical integration by defining the correct opto‑mechanical interfaces and alignment strategy together with the assembly and test protocols for the factory. So this includes the production tool set to enable the assembly and test in production.
• Hands‑on first proto assembly, integration and test of the new optical modules and transfer to production engineering and assembly, test and integration engineering.
• Design documentation delivery according the Nearfield templates and documentation structure.

Who you’ll be working with

You will join our high‑impact, internationally diverse development team and collaborate closely with System Engineering, Electronics, Software, Control, Mechatronics and Mechanics experts. Together with this tech‑savvy team, we design and realize groundbreaking machines that redefine what’s possible in semiconductor metrology. We thrive in a knowledge‑sharing, open environment where autonomy and technical leadership are encouraged — and where your ideas shape the direction of our technology.

Who you are

You’re a systems thinker with a solid technical foundation and a passion for precision and optics. You can navigate complexity, participate in design teams, and enjoy translating abstract requirements into tangible, working solutions. You are comfortable working in fast‑paced, high‑tech environments, and you’re energized by solving tough engineering challenges with impact.

You have:

• A MSc in Physics, Opto‑Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, with a strong track record in opto‑mechanical design and the industrialization aspect of it.
• Deep knowledge and experience in areas such as: opto‑mechanics design and simulation, thermal constraints and impact on optics, dynamics and vibrations, supplier quality control, new product introduction in production lines.
• Experience in multi‑disciplinary development projects, from concept to release.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to align teams and drive technical decisions.
• Proficiency with modelling and simulation tools (e.g. Zemax, SolidWorks, Python) and a data‑driven mindset.
• A strong command of English, both written and spoken.