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Chiral is industrializing robotic assembly processes for quantum and semiconductor manufacturing. As Senior Optics & Photonics Engineer, you will own the optical and photonic systems that enable high-precision substrate-to-substrate alignment—a critical technical challenge in nanomaterial integration.
Your role splits roughly 50/50 between two core areas:
**Optics & Imaging Design (≥50%):** You will conceive, design and dimension microscopy and imaging chains for sub-micron alignment accuracy. This includes selecting and validating alignment strategies (diffraction-based overlay, pattern recognition, through-substrate imaging), performing optical modeling and tolerancing, defining error budgets and calibration strategies, and processing measurement data using image processing and computer vision. You'll take optical systems from design and simulation through assembly and testing.
**Lasers & Photonics (20–50%):** You will design laser beam delivery paths, specify and integrate photonic components (fibers, modulators, detectors, sensors), and characterize performance in production environments. You'll support process development by relating laser parameters to results and ensuring subsystems are stable, reproducible and serviceable.
**Prototyping & Validation:** Build and commission prototype optical setups, plan and execute experiments, acquire data, run failure-mode analyses, and create designs for custom fixtures.
**Collaboration:** Work closely with mechanical, mechatronics and software engineers to integrate optical subsystems into pre-series tools. Engage with suppliers and customers. Prepare technical documentation, measurement reports and system specifications.
**Required Background:** MSc or PhD in physics, optical engineering, photonics, precision engineering or related field with strong optics focus. Several years of industrial experience developing optical, opto-mechanical or laser systems, ideally in semiconductor equipment, microsystems or precision instrumentation. Proven track record in imaging-based alignment, overlay or optical metrology for semiconductor substrates.
**Technical Skills:** In-depth knowledge of technical optics, imaging, microscopy, optical manufacturing and modern components. Hands-on experience with laser sources and beam delivery. Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax, Code V, LightTools) and tolerancing. Experience with measurement data processing, image analysis and computer vision. Familiarity with Python, MATLAB or similar tools. Strong experimental design and error budgeting skills.
**Mindset:** Analytical, creative, structured problem-solver with hands-on lab comfort. Curious and adaptable in fast-paced startup environment. Fluent English; German a plus. Strong collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.
