Optical Design Engineer

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

€120000.00/year

Permanent

Optical Satellite Communications

1

Senior Optical Engineer – Free-Space Laser Communications

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania (Hybrid: On-site + Partial Remote)
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Sector: Space | Optical Engineering | Laser Communications


About the Opportunity

I’m currently partnered with a high-growth European space-tech startup that’s developing a cutting-edge end-to-end optical communication service – not just hardware. Backed by venture capital and with four space missions scheduled for launch in the next 12 months, they’re scaling fast and looking to bring in a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of precision laser systems used in space, ground, and maritime environments.

This is a unique opportunity to own optical system design from concept through to spaceflight – with a company selected by NATO’s Diana Accelerator (Top 10 of 1,440 startups) and recognized by the European Space Agency as a Rising Star.


Role Overview

This is a hands-on engineering role with a high level of ownership. You will take the lead in designing, simulating, and optimizing free-space laser communication systems for next-gen optical terminals. You’ll work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to bring high-performance optical subsystems from the lab into orbit.


Responsibilities

  • Design and simulate optical systems for laser beam transmission, shaping, detection, and coupling

  • Use tools like Zemax or OSLO to model beam propagation, fiber coupling, and optical performance

  • Select and specify photonic components: lenses, filters, mirrors, coatings, and fiber elements

  • Conduct lab-based optical alignment, calibration, and performance testing

  • Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, and software engineers on system integration

  • Contribute to next-generation versions of the company’s proprietary terminals (spaceborne, ground, and mobile)

  • Document designs and lead technical reviews


āœ… Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing laser or free-space optical systems

  • Proficient in Zemax, OSLO, or equivalent simulation tools

  • Skilled in fiber coupling design, SWIR optics, and real-world optical alignment

  • Fluent in English; team-oriented, proactive, and adaptable to fast-paced environments


Bonus Skills (Not Required, but Valuable)

  • Experience with laser communications, LiDAR, or SWIR optics

  • Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, optical metrology, or MIL-STD/ECSS

  • Experience with satellite optical payloads or photonic subsystems


Why This Role Stands Out

  • Work directly on flight hardware for missions launching in the next year

  • Join a company building the full optical communications stack, not just parts

  • Hands-on founders with deep space and laser backgrounds (NanoAvionics, high-precision laser systems)

  • VC-backed, fast-moving, and focused on practical innovation over process

  • Stock options + flexible hybrid work model in a thriving Lithuanian tech ecosystem

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade

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