Scientist Engineer – X-Ray Optics

Cosineinnovations; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Annual bonus

Hybrid working

Company bicycle

Long-term collaboration possible

Job summary

cosine is seeking a Scientist Engineer – X-Ray Optics in the Netherlands to push the boundaries of X-ray and high-energy optics for space missions and advanced measurements.

You will join multidisciplinary R&D teams to design, analyse, build and validate next‑generation optical systems, collaborating with scientists, engineers and customers to turn physics into real, flight‑worthy hardware.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optics or related.
• At least 4 years in X-ray/high-energy optics or related field.
• Strong analytical and numerical modelling with hands-on lab work.
• Experience designing, testing and validating complex optical instruments.
• Clear communicator who translates complex tech into reports and talks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative X-ray and high-energy optical systems for space, astrophysical and measurement applications.
• Perform analytical and numerical modelling, run experiments, analyse results and translate findings into outcomes.
• Build and operate setups, document activities and contribute to reports, publications, and customer deliverables.
• Collaborate with teams, customers and external experts, presenting results and spotting new opportunities.
• Take ownership of project activities, monitor progress and contribute as consultant or project manager.

Skills

X-ray optics

Analytical modelling

Experimentation

Communicating findings

Project ownership

Education

MSc or PhD in Physics/Optics

Job description

As the Scientist Engineer – X-Ray Optics at cosine you will push the boundaries of X-ray and high-energy optics for some of the most challenging applications in space exploration, astrophysics and advanced measurement systems. You combine scientific curiosity with hands-on engineering, translating complex physics into innovative optical solutions that perform in real-world environments.
Working in multidisciplinary R&D teams, you will design, analyse, build and validate next-generation optical systems, collaborating closely with scientists, engineers and customers. Your work will contribute directly to cutting-edge technologies that help unlock new insights into our universe and enable ground-breaking scientific missions.

Tasks & responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Design and develop innovative X-ray and high-energy optical systems for space, astrophysical and measurement applications
• Perform analytical and numerical modelling, execute experiments, analyse measurement results and translate findings into tangible project outcomes
• Build and operate experimental setups, document research activities and contribute to technical reports, publications and customer deliverables
• Collaborate with project teams, customers and external experts, presenting results and identifying new technical opportunities
• Take ownership of project activities, monitoring progress, managing deliverables and, depending on experience, contributing as a consultant and/or project manager

Your profile

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optics or a related scientific discipline
• At least 4 years of experience in X-ray optics, high-energy optics or a closely related field
• Strong analytical and numerical modelling skills, combined with hands-on experimental laboratory experience
• Experience designing, testing and validating complex optical or scientific instrumentation
• Clear communicator who can translate technical complexity into concise reports, presentations and customer-facing discussions
• A proactive, solution-oriented team player who enjoys working at the intersection of science, engineering and innovation

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
• The opportunity to deliver end-to-end solutions in autonomous project teams, in close collaboration with customers
• 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
• 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.