Optical Design Engineer

HENSOLDT AG; Irene; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working models

Attractive salary and special payments

Job summary

HENSOLDT South Africa is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to drive the design, development and maturation of optical products across the lifecycle. You will translate requirements into manufacturable solutions, perform optical modelling and validate designs through prototypes and tests.

The role emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, governance, and technical leadership to sustain high-performance optics in production. A strong background in optical design is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline.
• A Master’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering or related field is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in optical design or related engineering environment.
• Experience in design, development, integration and testing of optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyse requirements and define technical optical requirements and suitable materials.
• Design and optimise optical systems and packaging for production readiness.
• Develop and evaluate optical prototypes with appropriate test fixtures.
• Provide specialist optical-engineering support across production and in-service environments.
• Maintain governance through design reviews and documentation.

Skills

Optical System Design

Optical Analysis & Optimisation

Zemax Design Tools

Optical Simulation & Modelling

Optical Materials & Components

Optical Coatings & Adhesives

Laser Design & Safety

Optical Metrology

Optical Alignment & Integration

MATLAB & Python

Engineering Drawing & Specs

Prototype Development & Testing

Qualification & Industrialisation

Test Equipment & Fixtures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics or related

Master’s degree in Physics or Optical Engineering (advantage)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About the Role

The Optical Design Engineer designs, develops and maintains optical products and technologies by applying optical, physical and engineering principles throughout the product-development lifecycle. The role delivers innovative, manufacturable and performance-compliant optical solutions that meet product, system, customer and business requirements.

Qualification and experience:

• Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a relevant technical discipline.
• A Master of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering or a related field will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in optical design, product development or a related engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development, integration and testing of optical systems and components.
• Experience within a multidisciplinary product-development, engineering or manufacturing environment will be advantageous.

Key technical skills:

• Optical System and Lens Design
• Optical Analysis and Optimisation
• Zemax Optical Design Tools
• Optical Simulation and Modelling
• Optical Materials and Component Selection
• Optical Coatings and Adhesives
• Optical Actuators and Sensors
• Laser Design, Modelling and Safety
• Optical Metrology
• Optical Alignment and Integration
• Optical Performance Evaluation
• Optical Packaging and Precision Assembly
• Engineering Tolerance Analysis
• Material Properties and Surface Treatments
• Optical Manufacturing Processes
• MATLAB, Python and Mathcad
• Engineering Drawing and Specification Interpretation
• Prototype Development and Testing
• Optical Qualification and Industrialisation
• Test Equipment, Jig and Fixture Development

Key responsibilities:

Optical Research and Requirements Definition

Analyse customer, end-user, system and product requirements through optical research and engineering evaluation to define technical requirements and identify suitable materials and technologies, resulting in viable solutions aligned with product-performance and lifecycle objectives.

Optical Design and Development

Design and optimise optical systems, components and associated packaging using optical modelling, simulation, component selection and tolerancing to satisfy defined technical and manufacturing requirements, resulting in innovative, functional and production-ready solutions.

Prototype Integration and Qualification

Develop, integrate and evaluate optical prototypes and assemblies using appropriate test equipment, jigs and fixtures to verify design performance and qualification requirements, resulting in validated solutions ready for industrialisation and production.

Product Lifecycle and Technical Support

Provide specialist optical-engineering support across production and in-service product environments by investigating technical problems, non-conformances and end-user requirements to implement controlled design improvements, resulting in sustained product performance, quality and configuration integrity.

Technical Governance and Capability Development

Maintain optical-engineering governance through design reviews, change control, technical documentation, work scoping and specialist guidance to strengthen engineering discipline and transfer technical knowledge, resulting in improved organisational capability and consistent engineering outcomes.

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organisational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline:

28 October 2026.

We support you with flexible working models and offers to help you balance work and family life.

We offer an attractive salary and special payments.

Personal & Professional Development

We support your development with structured onboarding, targeted training programs and tailored talent development.

Working Atmosphere

We offer an innovative working atmosphere with modern premises and expert networks.

Health & Prevention

We promote your health with ergonomic workstations, health management and occupational health and safety programs.

Mobility & Sustainability

We promote mobility and sustainability through various and special offers.

HENSOLDT is committed to diversity and an inclusive corporate culture. We therefore welcome all applications - regardless of origin, age, gender, disability, identity or ideology.