Senior Photonics Engineer

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Optics11 is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to own photonic subsystem development from concept through verification to product realization, designing and validating fiber optic assemblies, optical sources, detectors, and related instrumentation for critical infrastructure and underwater security systems. The role is onsite in Amsterdam, full-time, and requires an MSc in Photonics or a related field, 5+ years of photonics product development experience, hands on optical measurements and lab testing, experience with fiber handling and fusion splicing, and strong Python skills for data analysis and automation. You will collaborate with Systems, Hardware, Software, Manufacturing and Verification teams and must be eligible for EU NATO security clearance including AIVD screening. To apply, tailor your CV to demonstrate end to end ownership, quantify impact, highlight multidisciplinary collaboration, and show readiness for security screening, then contact our recruiter Dóra Öveges at [email protected].

We are looking for a Senior Photonics Engineer to strengthen our Engineering team. Join Optics11 and help shape the future of fiber-optic sensing technology.

At Optics11, we develop cutting-edge fiber-optic sensing solutions that make critical infrastructure and underwater security systems smarter, safer, and more reliable. In this role, you will take ownership of photonic subsystem development, helping transform product requirements into robust, high-performance optical solutions. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will design, integrate, test, and optimize photonic components and subsystems that are critical to the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our products. From concept development through verification and product realization, you will play a key role in bringing innovative sensing technologies to market.

What You'll Do:

• Take ownership of photonic subsystem development throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept and design through integration, verification, and product realization.

• Design, develop, integrate, and validate photonic components and subsystems, including fiber-optic assemblies, optical sources, detectors, and associated instrumentation.

• Translate system requirements into robust photonic designs that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.

• Develop and execute optical measurement, characterization, and validation activities to verify subsystem performance and identify improvement opportunities.

• Analyze test results, evaluate design trade-offs, and implement improvements that enhance product robustness, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Collaborate closely with Systems, Hardware, Software, Manufacturing, and Verification teams to ensure successful subsystem integration and product performance.

• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to investigate technical challenges, identify root causes, and drive effective solutions.

• Contribute to design reviews, technical decision-making, and continuous improvements in engineering practices, testing methods, and product development workflows.

Why Join Us?

• Join one of Europe’s most promising deep-tech scale-ups.

• Shape the future of a rapidly growing multidisciplinary R&D organization.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Enjoy regular team activities and company events.

• Fresh team lunches provided3 times/ week.

Requirements

Qualifications :

• MSc in Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 

• 5+ years of relevant experience in photonic product development, optical sensing, fiber-optic technologies, or related fields. 

• Strong understanding of photonic components and their performance characteristics. 

• Hands-on experience with optical measurements, optical instrumentation, and laboratory testing. 

• Experience working with fiber-optic systems, fiber handling, fusion splicing, and laser-based systems. 

• Experience developing and verifying photonic products or subsystems from concept through validation. 

• Strong analytical mindset with experience in structured problem solving and engineering verification. 

• Strong Python skills for data analysis, automation, or test development are required. Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools is advantageous.  

• Strong communication skills in English and collaborative working style. 

• Eligible for EU/NATO security clearance. 

Nice to have:

• Experience in multidisciplinary product development environments. 

• Experience supporting prototype development, manufacturing transfer, or industrialization activities. 

• Familiarity with systems engineering, product verification, and product lifecycle management processes. 

You'll be working with clients in the defense and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening. 

More information 

So now you know we're doing awesome projects and if you see you fit the profile we would like to get to know you. Apply or, in case of questions, get in touch with our recruiter Dóra Öveges ( [email protected]).