Optical Designer (f/m/d)

QuantumDiamonds GmbH; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 96,723 - 130,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 vacation days

Wellness and Wellpass access

Annual learning budget

Equity program

Team off-sites

Job summary

QuantumDiamonds GmbH is seeking an experienced optical designer to develop imaging optics and illumination systems for NV-diamond sensors. You will design from scratch, optimize for high resolution and wide-field performance, and own subsystems end to end from concept through production.

The role requires 5+ years in optical design, strong ZEMAX fluency, Python modeling, and hands‑on lab skills. English will be the working language, with collaboration across a global, high‑tech team.

Qualifications

• Strong optical-design ability and track record.
• 5+ years designing real optical systems.
• Fluency in ZEMAX (sequential and non-sequential).
• Modeling in Python and bench verification.

Responsibilities

• Build illumination and imaging optics for NV-diamond sensors.
• Design custom imaging optics from scratch for high-NA, wide-field, long-working-distance objectives.
• Own subsystems from concept to production.
• Model and optimize in ZEMAX for imaging, illumination, stray light, and artifact mitigation.
• Select illumination sources and design beam homogenization and shaping.
• Define optical architecture: objectives, relays, telescopic systems, filters and dichroic schemes.
• Write tolerance budgets and manufacturability studies.
• Validate models on the bench: align and characterize prototypes.
• Source and qualify optical components such as lenses and filters.
• Script analyses in Python and hand off clean prescriptions to production.

Skills

Optical design

ZEMAX

Python

Manual alignment

Radiometry

MTF analysis

English writing

Education

Background in optics/photonics/physics

Tools

Interferometer

Test bench

Collimator

Job description

Description

We are seeking a skilled and passionate optical designer to support the development of our quantum sensing measurement systems. In this role, you will design and optimize high-performance imaging optics and illumination systems that enable high-resolution, wide-field imaging and reproducible measurements. You will collaborate with engineering partners and vendors to continuously improve our current measurement instruments and bring new products to market, with a strong focus on imaging performance, illumination uniformity, and stray-light control.

Who we are

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off of TU Munich, QD leverages quantum sensors to rapidly capture three-dimensional current maps within multi-layer chips. Our strong, international team of over 70, including physicists, engineers, data scientists, and other experts, works side by side with major semiconductor manufacturers, supporting chip debugging and accelerating yield analysis. Backed by top-tier deep tech investors, semiconductor experts, and strategic public programs, we have ensured long-term stability, shifting from breakthrough to scale - and shaping the next chapter in chip testing.

Why join us?

Picture this:

• Quantum sensors that see inside the most advanced chips on Earth, right where two frontier fields collide.
• Nobel-Prize physics aimed at real customers with real problems, in production now, not someday.
• Physicists, data scientists, and engineers building side by side, turning deep science into tools the industry actually runs on.
• An international team that runs at hard problems for fun, where knowledge moves fast and so do you.

Still unsure about why joining us?

• You’ll get to build a company together with a brilliant and welcoming team on a product that has never been done before.
• From Day 1, you’ll own your own topics end to end and see the direct impact of your work on how the world sees QuantumDiamonds.
• Our technology is the cutting edge of tomorrow, starting today and not in 10 years.
• You’ll be part of a high-growth company backed by top-tier investors.

Let’s make the invisible visible!

What will you do

• Build the illumination and imaging optics at the heart of our NV-diamond sensors: excitation in, fluorescence out.
• Design custom imaging optics from scratch where no catalog solution exists, for example high-NA, wide-field, long-working-distance objectives, balancing competing constraints on resolution, field, and mechanical envelope.
• Own subsystems end to end: concept, design, tolerancing, prototype, production.
• Model and optimize in ZEMAX, sequential and non-sequential: imaging performance, illumination uniformity, stray light, and artifact mitigation.
• Choose and budget the illumination source from radiometry and etendue, and design the beam homogenization and shaping.
• Define the optical architecture: objectives, relays, telescopic (afocal) systems, pupils, telecentricity, and the excitation/emission filter and dichroic scheme.
• Write error budgets and tolerance studies that stay manufacturable and testable.
• Validate your models on the bench: build, align, and characterize prototypes, own the optical testing, and reconcile measurement with simulation.
• Source and qualify optical components such as lenses, filters, objectives, and sources.
• Script your own analysis in Python and hand off clean prescriptions, specs, and reports to production.

What is expected of you

• Strong optical-design ability. We hire for demonstrated skill rather than a specific degree; a background in optics, photonics, or physics is typical.
• 5+ years designing real optical systems, not just coursework.
• Fluency in ZEMAX, sequential and non-sequential.
• Solid fundamentals: radiometry, etendue and brightness, aberrations, MTF, tolerancing.
• You model in Python (or similar) and trust the bench over any single tool.
• Hands‑on lab skills: alignment, metrology (interferometer, collimator, test bench), characterization.
• Clear, concise technical writing. Working language is English.

Bonus points

• High‑power illumination sources and laser safety.
• Quantum sensing, NV centers, or ODMR.
• Semiconductor inspection, metrology, or failure analysis.

Our benefits

• Mission: At QD, we’re driven by more than just building great products - we aim to make a lasting difference. Joining us means contributing to meaningful work that goes beyond business as usual.
• Impact & growth: This is an exciting stage of our journey, and your voice matters. You’ll have the chance to shape our culture, influence key decisions, and grow alongside a company that’s scaling fast.
• Well-being & balance: We value rest and recovery. That’s why you’ll enjoy 30 vacation days plus public holidays to recharge and return inspired.
• Health & fitness: With a company-sponsored Wellpass membership, you’ll have access to countless gyms, classes, and wellness offers across Germany to stay healthy and active.
• Learning & development: Your growth is our priority. We provide an annual budget dedicated to courses, conferences, or any resources that help you expand your skills.
• Ownership & participation: As part of our equity program, you’ll directly share in our success and the value we create together.
• Team & culture: We believe the best ideas come when we connect outside the office. From regular off-sites to team events, you’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive environment.