Photonics Engineer

Optics11; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Optics11 is seeking a Photonics Engineer to join the Engineering team in Amsterdam. You will own photonic subsystem development, turning product requirements into robust, high-performance optical solutions.

You will design, integrate, test, and optimize photonic components and subsystems essential for performance and manufacturability. You will work across interdisciplinary teams, applying structured problem-solving and strong Python skills to drive product verification, iterative improvements,

Qualifications

• MSc (or BSc) in Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 1–2 years of industry experience in photonic product development or optical sensing.
• Strong understanding of photonic components and performance characteristics.
• Hands-on experience with optical measurements and laboratory testing.
• Experience with fiber-optic systems, fusion splicing, and laser-based systems.
• Strong Python skills for data analysis, automation, or test development.
• Experience with embedded-Linux is a plus.
• Excellent English communication and collaborative work style.
• Eligible for EU/NATO security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Contribute towards photonic subsystem development throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept and design through integration, verification, and product realization.
• Design, develop, integrate, and validate photonic components and subsystems, including fiber-optic assemblies, optical sources, detectors, and associated instrumentation.
• Execute optical measurement, characterization, and validation activities to verify subsystem performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze test results, draw conclusions from results, provide recommendations, validate the results, and implement improvements that enhance product robustness, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team of engineers across photonic and subsystem development to ensure successful subsystem integration and product performance.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to investigate technical challenges, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions. Be able to work independently in a timely and structured manner.

Skills

Python

English communication

Structured problem solving

Team collaboration

Embedded-Linux

Education

MSc in Photonics/Applied Physics/Optical Engineering

BSc considered

Tools

Fusion splicing

Fiber-optic testing equipment

Job description

We are looking for a Photonics Engineer to strengthen our Engineering team. Join Optics11 and help shape the future of fiber-optic sensing technology.

At Optics11, we develop cutting-edge fiber-optic sensing solutions that make critical infrastructure and underwater security systems smarter, safer, and more reliable. In this role, you will take ownership of photonic subsystem development, helping transform product requirements into robust, high-performance optical solutions. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will design, integrate, test, and optimize photonic components and subsystems that are critical to the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our products. From concept development through verification and product realization, you will play a key role in bringing innovative sensing technologies to market.

What You'll Do:

• Contribute towards photonic subsystem development throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept and design through integration, verification, and product realization.

• Design, develop, integrate, and validate photonic components and subsystems, including fiber-optic assemblies, optical sources, detectors, and associated instrumentation.

• Execute optical measurement, characterization, and validation activities to verify subsystem performance and identify improvement opportunities.

• Analyze test results, draw conclusions from results, provide recommendations, validate the results, and implement improvements that enhance product robustness, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team of engineers across photonic and subsystem development to ensure successful subsystem integration and product performance.

• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to investigate technical challenges, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions. Be able to work independently in a timely and structured manner.

Why Join Us?

• Join one of Europe’s most promising deep-tech scale-ups.

• Shape the future of a rapidly growing multidisciplinary R&D organization.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Enjoy regular team activities and company events.

• Fresh team lunches provided3 times/ week.

Qualifications:

• MSc (BSc is also considered) in Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.

• 1-2 years of industry experience in photonic product development, optical sensing, fiber-optic technologies, or related fields.

• Strong understanding of photonic components and their performance characteristics.

• Hands-on experience with optical measurements, optical instrumentation, and laboratory testing.

• Experience working with fiber-optic systems, fiber handling, fusion splicing, and laser-based systems.

• Strong analytical mindset with experience in structured problem solving and engineering verification.

• Strong Python skills for data analysis, automation, or test development are required.

• Experience with embedded-Linux operating systems is a plus.

• Strong communication skills in English and collaborative working style.

• Eligible for EU/NATO security clearance.

Nice to have:

• Experience in multidisciplinary product development environments.

• Experience supporting prototype development, manufacturing transfer, or industrialization activities.

• Experience with interferometry, fiber-optic sensing, and/or laser safety is a plus.

You’ll be working with clients in the defense and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening.