Senior Optical Design Engineer

Job Purpose We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Senior Optical Design Engineer to develop high-end optical products and technologies from customer requirements through optical design, prototyping, manufacturing, and final qualification.

This is a highly flexible and varied role where priorities evolve as projects develop. One day you may be designing and tolerancing a sophisticated optical system in Zemax; the next you may be developing Matlab or Python algorithms to diagnose a problem in a high-end CNC machining process, designing an optical measurement system, or working hands-on in the laboratory with production engineers. The ideal candidate is a strong optical designer as well as a curious, analytical, and pragmatic engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems across traditional engineering boundaries.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Optical & Lens Design: Perform optical system and lens design using Zemax, including tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, optimization, and design for manufacturability.
• System Integration: Translate customer requirements into practical optical solutions (imaging systems, non-imaging systems, precision opto-mechanical assemblies) with assembly, alignment, and measurement in mind.
• Advanced Optical Techniques: Design and apply strategies involving holography, interferometry, computer-generated holograms (CGHs), and compensation strategies.
• Lab & Production Diagnostics: Build and commission optical test systems, analyze measurement data, and conduct hands-on laboratory work to troubleshoot complex optical and manufacturing issues.
• Software Development: Write custom algorithms, models, and analysis tools using Matlab and/or Python to interface with optical design and measurement systems or support manufacturing processes.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical, manufacturing, software, and process engineers, and participate in customer meetings to clarify specs and present designs.

Education & Experience

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with a strong emphasis on classical optics.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in optical design and development.
• Deep, practical knowledge of geometrical optics, aberrations, diffraction, imaging, and illumination.
• Demonstrated ability to build optical test setups, perform hands-on experimentation, and connect simulation results with real-world physical measurements.
• Strong mathematical and programming skills (Matlab/Python) to develop custom tools rather than rely solely on existing off-the-shelf software.
• Excellent communication skills, with comfort collaborating across fast-paced, fast-changing, and multicultural environments (including teams in Denmark and China).
• Advantage: Experience with CGHs, lithographic optics, holography, precision optical manufacturing, CNC/production process integration, photonic interconnects, photonic integrated circuits (PIC)

What We Offer

• High degree of responsibility and variety working on high-end precision optics.
• A role that bridges optical design, experimental optics, custom software development, metrology, and advanced manufacturing.
• Close collaboration with experienced international teams solving complex technical problems where conventional solutions fall short.

In addition to your CV, please include answers to the following two questions (should be included in your uploaded cover Letter):

1. Optical engineering challenge — 500–1,000 characters

Please describe one technically challenging optical engineering problem that you personally solved. Briefly explain:

• The problem and requirements – What were you trying to achieve, and what made the problem technically challenging?
• Your personal contribution – What did you personally do, including any optical design, simulation, programming, experimental work, or other engineering activities?
• The outcome – What was the result, and what did you achieve?

Please focus on a specific example from your own experience rather than describing a general project or team achievement.

2. Use of AI in engineering — 100–300 words

Please describe how you currently use artificial intelligence (AI) to solve or support development tasks in your present position. Give one or more concrete examples of how you use AI in your engineering work, and briefly explain what value it provides.

We are interested in your actual hands-on use of AI, rather than general views or opinions about the technology.