Lead Optics Engineer

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Auterion seeks a Lead Optics Engineer in Zurich to drive the optical design of camera modules from concept to production, collaborating with hardware firmware and mechanical teams to deliver imaging. You’ll own optical architectures, specify lenses and sensors, and oversee validation. Requirements include 5+ years in optical systems or camera module design, strong optics, hands on hardware experience, and fluent English. To apply, tailor your resume to show measurable outcomes and impact, and write a concise cover letter linking your experience to Auterion’s AI powered autonomous systems, emphasizing hands on, fast paced collaboration and onsite in Zurich. Benefits include flexible hours, stock options, pension, leave, wellbeing support and learning opportunities.

As a Lead Optics Engineer, you will play a key role within our core hardware engineering team, leading the design and development of high-performance camera systems that power our next-generation drone platforms. Working closely with hardware, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams, you will deliver cutting-edge imaging solutions from early concept through mass production.

You will take full technical ownership of our custom camera assemblies, defining optical architectures, specifying components, and evaluating key elements such as lenses and image sensors. Working closely with mechanical engineering, you will design and refine mounts, carriers, and housings to deliver robust, production-ready camera systems capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions. You will assemble prototypes, characterise and verify camera performance in the optics lab, and validate complete systems through real-world flight testing on our drones.

This is a highly hands-on role in a fast-paced, agile environment, offering the opportunity to develop innovative optical solutions with real-world impact at scale.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead optical system design for embedded camera modules, from concept definition through validation and mass production
• Define optical architectures and specifications, selecting and qualifying lenses, image sensors, filters, and related components
• Develop and execute optical test and validation plans, including lab characterisation
• Own end-to-end product performance, including image quality, resolution, sharpness, dynamic range, low-light performance, and environmental robustness
• Build, align, and debug prototypes, using precision alignment tools and optical metrology equipment
• Support manufacturing and scale-up, including DFM/DFA reviews, supplier engagement, yield improvement, and failure analysis
• Drive opto-mechanical integration in close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and firmware teams
• Drive continuous improvement of existing camera systems through upgrades, cost optimization, and performance enhancements
• Document designs, analyses, and test results, and contribute to technical reviews and design sign-offs

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience designing optical systems or camera modules for embedded and high-volume products
• Strong expertise in optical design and analysis, including imaging optics, tolerance analysis, and stray-light control
• Hands-on experience with camera hardware, including lens and sensor selection, module assembly, and precision alignment
• Solid understanding of image quality metrics and camera characterization, including MTF, SNR, dynamic range, and low-light performance
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug system-level image quality issues, from prototype to field deployment
• Experience with opto-mechanical design and manufacturing, including DFM/DFA and production scale-up
• Good verbal and written English communication skills
• Experience with optical design and simulation tools is an advantage

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Stock Options
• Generous holiday allowance
• Company pension plan 
• Car parking  
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Learning and development opportunities

About Auterion

We are building the leading software and electronics platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.