Development Engineer – Interferometric Metrology

Development Engineer – Interferometric Metrology

Location: Jena, Germany

Salary: €65,000–€78,000 per annum

We are seeking an experienced Development Engineer – Interferometric Metrology to develop advanced optical measurement concepts for nanometre-scale surface, form and dimensional measurements.

This is a specialist engineering opportunity for someone with strong expertise in interferometry, precision optics and optical measurement who wants to work on challenging metrology applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise interferometric measurement concepts for nanometre-scale surface, form and dimensional measurements.
• Design and evaluate optical measurement architectures to meet demanding accuracy and resolution requirements.
• Develop, align and characterise precision optical and laser-based measurement systems.
• Select and optimise optical components, illumination sources, detectors and imaging configurations.
• Develop measurement algorithms and data-processing methods for extracting accurate dimensional and surface information.
• Process and analyse complex measurement data using Python, MATLAB or similar tools.
• Investigate sources of measurement error, noise and instability and implement improvements.
• Perform optical alignment, calibration and system characterisation.
• Validate measurement concepts through laboratory experiments, prototypes and performance testing.
• Develop measurement procedures and contribute to uncertainty analysis and system error budgets.
• Work closely with optical, mechanical, software and electronics engineers to integrate complete measurement systems.
• Troubleshoot complex experimental and measurement problems and drive technical solutions.
• Document system designs, experimental results, measurement methods and technical specifications.
• Support the transition of successful measurement concepts from laboratory development into robust engineering solutions.

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Precision Engineering, Metrology or a related discipline.
• Several years of relevant experience in optical measurement, interferometry or precision metrology.
• Strong practical knowledge of interferometry and precision optical systems.
• Experience with lasers, optical alignment and optical system characterisation.
• Experience developing or analysing measurement data using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Understanding of measurement uncertainty, error sources and calibration.
• Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary R&D or engineering environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong optical engineer to develop next-generation interferometric metrology solutions capable of delivering nanometre-scale measurement performance in a specialist engineering environment in Jena.