Optical Designer | Delft

Want to make your mark on our time? Become an Optical Designer at TNO in Delft!

What will be your role?

As an optical designer you will be involved in the design and execution of imaging and illumination optical systems. This process ranges from requirements discovery and budget allocation together with the System Engineer through paraxial and nominal design to a final, toleranced design with an accompanying alignment plan. The ability to perform straylight, polarization, diffraction and STOP (structural, thermal and optical performance) analyses is also essential to the role (although you are not yet expected to have this experience at the time of application). You will also be expected to assess critically the cost and complexity of your designs. You will regularly and intensively discuss results, progress, deviations and possible improvements with the team and the project manager.

In addition to projects using “classical” optics, there are also activities in the fields of microphotonics (using photonic integrated circuits, PICs) and nanophotonics (using metamaterials or other nanostructures). Knowledge and experience with physical optics modelling of wavelength-scale structures is important for these topics, however you are not expected to have experience in both “classical” and (sub)wavelength optics at the time of application, and you are free to share your preferences.

What we expect from you

As an optical designer you will perform high-end optical tasks. For this role you will work a lot with colleagues from different disciplines. It is important that the stakeholders are kept up-to-date and that designs and analyses are carefully executed and documented. Given the key position of optical design in an optical instrument, a considerable level of creativity, autonomy, ingenuity and initiative is expected from you.

To be able to perform the role well, it is important that you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• Master’s degree in optics, photonics, (applied) physics, aerospace engineering, or electrical engineering with experience in relevant optical/photonics tasks.
• Affinity for complex optical systems and ambition to further develop in the optics field including AI and machine learning.
• Experience with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax, CodeV), and/or programming (Python, Matlab), and/or physical optics modelling (Lumerical, Comsol).
• Structured working style with attention to quality.
• Collaborative, eager to learn, result oriented, and strong in communication.
• Able to work effectively in English in an international environment.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3530,00 and € 4317,00 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 34 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.