Quantum Sensing - Optical Engineer

Euraxess; España; Hybrid; PHP 3,273,000 - 4,727,000; Full time

Job summary

ARQUIMEA Research Center seeks a skilled researcher to design, simulate, develop, and integrate traditional and miniaturized optical systems for a NV-center-based quantum sensing platform. You will create high-performance optical designs and integrate fibers to enhance functionality.

The role requires a master’s or PhD in a relevant field, hands-on experience in optical alignment, and proficiency with Zemax/OSLO. Collaboration with physicists, engineers, and software developers is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics or Photonics with hands-on experience.
• Proven experience designing and aligning optical systems.
• Hands-on experience with miniaturized optics and fiber integration.
• Proficiency in Zemax and/or OSLO optical design software.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to document results.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate traditional optical paths for NV excitation and fluorescence collection.
• Define requirements for optical systems and fiber components.
• Develop compact optical systems with integrated fibers.
• Participate in prototype development and optimize reliability and scalability.
• Align optical components including fiber optics and diamond sensors.
• Implement scanning mechanisms for NV readout (galvo or fiber scanning).
• Characterize performance: photon collection, spatial resolution, system sensitivity.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, and software developers.

Skills

Optical system design

Fiber-optic integration

Zemax OSLO

Technical documentation

Analytical thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Optical Engineering

PhD in Physics / Photonics (bonus)

Tools

Zemax

OSLO

Job description

Organisation/Company ARQUIMEA RESEARCH CENTER Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Spain Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? NextGenerationEU Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

ARQUIMEA , we are a technology company operating globally and providing innovate solutions and products in highly demanding sectors.

Our areas of activity are Aerospace, Defense & Security, Big Science, Biotechnology and Fintech.

ARQUIMEA Research Center (ARC), part of ARQUIMEA , was born in 2019 with the aim of inventing the technologies of tomorrow. An environment of innovation and excellence at European level from which senior and junior researchers from around the world develop disruptive technologies and business models that will serve as an engine of socio-economic growth in the medium and long term.

We are seeking a skilled researcher to design, simulate, develop, and integrate both traditional and miniaturized optical systems for our NV-center-based quantum sensing platform. This role involves creating high-performance optical designs, optimizing them for compact configurations, and integrating optical fibers to enhance system functionality.

Primary Functions:

• Optical System Design: Develop and simulate traditional optical paths for NV excitation and fluorescence collection using tools like Zemax or OSLO.
• Requirements Definition: contribute in defining requirements for optical systems and optical fibers components.
• Miniaturized System Development: Design compact optical systems, integrating optical fibers to reduce system size and enhance performance.
• Prototype Development: Participate in prototype development, refining experimental approaches and implementing optimizations to improve the reliability and scalability of the setup.
• Precision Alignment & Integration: Align optical components, including fiber optics and diamond sensors, within tight spatial constraints.
• Scanning & Control Optics: Implement scanning mechanisms suitable for NV readout, such as galvo/mirror systems or fiber scanning approaches.
• Performance Characterization: Measure and refine photon collection efficiency, spatial resolution, and system sensitivity.
• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Work closely with physicists, mechanical engineers, and software developers to achieve a compact, integrated sensor solution.

Required skills, experience and candidate profile:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related field with hands-on experience.
• Proven experience in designing and aligning optical systems.
• Hands-on experience with miniaturized optical systems and fiber-optic integration.
• Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, OSLO).
• Strong analytical and technical documentation skills.

Additionally, we will also value experience in the following areas:

• Fundamentals of NV-center optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and fluorescence-based quantum sensing.
• Expertise in high-NA objective systems and optical throughput optimization.
• Familiarity with beam scanning techniques, such as galvo, or fiber scanning approaches.
• Practical understanding of microwave delivery systems (antennas, coplanar waveguides).
• Basic knowledge of signal processing for fluorescence and time-resolved detection.

Personal Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, especially when adapting optics to real-world constraints.
• Meticulous attention to detail in optical alignment, documentation, and calibration.
• Excellent communication and teamwork within interdisciplinary technical environments.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn quantum spin physics and NV-specific protocols.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple project components effectively.

Think Big, Do the Job & Enjoy Life

At ARQUIMEA, we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected factors by law. All candidates will be considered equally based on their skills and experience