R&D Engineer – Micro-Optics, Diffractive Optics

Kooku Recruiting GmbH - Interim Recruiting & RPO

R&D Engineer designing and simulating optical components for a leading photonics company. Collaborating with an international team and engaging in innovative optical design workflows.

Posted 7/21/2026full-timeBerlin • 🇩🇪 GermanyMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in optical design and simulation, with a strong foundation in optical principles and programming skills in Python, C++, or MATLAB. Capable of analyzing optical and surface characterization data to optimize manufacturing processes and designs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical DesignFourier OpticsDiffraction and Wave OpticsPython ProgrammingAnalytical Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical PrinciplesLithographyLaser TechnologyNumerical Diffraction SimulationsRCWAFDTDOptical SystemsManufacturing Data GenerationOptical CharacterizationProcess Optimization

Soft Skills

Analytical MindsetStructured Working StyleSelf-OrganizedCollaborativeAdaptability

Industry Keywords

Micro-Optical StructuresNano-Optical StructuresDiffractive Optical ElementsSimulation ResultsExperimental Data

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and simulate optical micro- and nanostructures for optical components with dedicated functionalities (e.g. diffractive optical elements).
Generate manufacturing data for the fabrication of micro- and nano-optical structures.
Analyze results from optical and surface characterization measurements to identify optimal process parameters for both initial and subsequent manufacturing iterations.
During your first 3–6 months, your onboarding goal is to develop your own optical designs and evaluate their performance after fabrication to identify optimization opportunities.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Education: University degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent) in a STEM discipline, such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or another natural science.
Technical Skills: Solid understanding of optical principles, ideally combined with knowledge in two or three of the following areas: Fourier optics, diffraction and wave optics, lithography, laser technology, optical systems, or numerical diffraction simulations (e.g. RCWA, FDTD).
Programming: Experience with at least one of the following programming languages: Python, C++, or MATLAB.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to correlate simulation results with experimental data and derive meaningful conclusions for further optimization.
Working Style: Structured, self-organized, and systematic approach to work while thriving in a collaborative team environment and adapting to changing requirements.
Languages: Fluent English (C2) and strong German skills (B2/C1).
Mindset: Intrinsically motivated, curious, and solution-oriented.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working hours with a working time account
Hybrid working model
28–30 days of annual leave (depending on age)
Professional training and development opportunities
Free or discounted Urban Sports Club membership
Company pension scheme
Public transportation subsidy for the Berlin transit network
Complimentary drinks as well as fresh fruit and vegetable baskets