Optical Engineer

Focused Energy Inc.

Optical Engineer designing and developing advanced optical systems for high-power laser technology. Collaborating with cross-functional teams on innovative optical solutions and ensuring project deliverables.

Posted 6/30/2026full-timeDarmstadt • 🇩🇪 GermanyMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and specify concept and detailed designs for complex optical systems, aligned with functional and performance requirements.
Lead the integration of optical components with mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems, ensuring seamless product functionality.
Take ownership of optical component development, delivering project and technical deliverables weighing quality, cost, time and risk.
Develop and implement qualification and validation test plans to verify optical system performance and reliability.
Innovate and push the boundaries of optical technology by researching and developing novel optical concepts and solutions.
Identify and align critical suppliers to realise optics design into functional hardware.
Participate actively in design reviews, ensuring manufacturability and adherence to regulatory and quality standards.
Collaborate within multidiscipline scientific and engineering teams to find pragmatic engineering solutions towards the project objectives.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Hands-on Experience: At least three years of experience designing and developing advanced optical systems, preferably including high-power laser systems.
Expertise in Optical Design: A very good knowledge of optical design principles, materials, coatings, and testing methods. Demonstrated experience in ultra-short pulse laser systems (fs or ps-regime) is highly desirable.
Simulation Skills: Substantial experience in simulating optical designs and components (preferably ZEMAX). Experience in opto-thermal mechanical design simulation is a significant advantage.
Precision Opto-Mechanical Design: Solid knowledge of opto-mechanical design principles to support integration efforts.
A good understanding of photonics components, their specifications and integration in advanced high powered laser optical systems.
Experience of optomechanical MAIT and interaction with optical component suppliers is highly desirable.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven track record of developing and validating innovative solutions.
Communication Skills: Proactive communicator with the ability to clearly present complex optical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Optical Design PrinciplesHigh-Power Laser SystemsOpto-Thermal Mechanical Design SimulationOpto-Mechanical DesignQualification and Validation TestingOptical Component DevelopmentOptomechanical MAITOptical System Performance VerificationOptical CoatingsOptical Testing Methods

Soft Skills

Proactive CommunicationAnalytical SkillsProblem-Solving Skills