Senior Photonics Engineer

optics11; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Regular team activities and company events

Fresh team lunches 3 times a week

Job summary

Optics11 is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer in the Netherlands to enhance their Engineering team. You will focus on photonic subsystem development, designing and validating optical solutions for critical infrastructures.

This role requires a Master's degree in relevant fields and significant experience in fiber-optic technologies. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation and improve product performance.

A competitive salary, company events, and team lunches are part of the offering.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in photonic product development.
• Hands-on experience with optical measurements and laboratory testing.
• Strong analytical mindset with structured problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of photonic subsystem development throughout the product lifecycle.
• Design, develop, and validate photonic components and subsystems.
• Collaborate with Systems, Hardware, and Software teams for integration.

Skills

Photonics product development

Optical measurements

Python for data analysis

Education

MSc in Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical instruments

Embedded Linux

Job description

We are looking for a Senior 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:

• Take ownership of 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.
• Translate system requirements into robust photonic designs that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute optical measurement, characterization, and validation activities to verify subsystem performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze test results, evaluate design trade‑offs, and implement improvements that enhance product robustness, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with Systems, Hardware, Software, Manufacturing, and Verification teams to ensure successful subsystem integration and product performance.
• Apply structured problem‑solving techniques to investigate technical challenges, identify root causes, and drive effective solutions.
• Contribute to design reviews, technical decision‑making, and continuous improvements in engineering practices, testing methods, and product development workflows.

Qualifications:

• MSc in Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ 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.
• Experience developing and verifying photonic products or subsystems from concept through validation.
• 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.

Benefits:

• 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 provided 3 times a week.

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.