Laser Optics R&D Program Engineer

About the role

You will own the full lifecycle of multiple parallel laser and optical R&D initiatives that directly support the development of our fusion energy platform. This role requires you to define program strategy, manage complex supplier ecosystems, and ensure rigorous technical execution from concept through industrialization. You will act as the central technical owner for optics, coatings, and crystal technologies, translating high-level physics goals into concrete engineering requirements. You will coordinate across physics, engineering, and manufacturing teams to de-risk optical components and accelerate technology readiness. Your analysis of experimental data and vendor results will directly influence product specifications and strategic direction. You will mentor hands-on engineers and technicians to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and reproducibility in our experimental workflows. Ultimately, you will be responsible for delivering actionable insights and robust optical solutions that keep our fusion energy roadmap on track.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate multiple concurrent R&D programs end-to-end, defining scope, schedule, budget, risk mitigation, and deliverables for optical coatings, nonlinear crystals, and advanced optical technologies.
• Drive milestone gates, purchase orders, and go/no-go decisions with full accountability while maintaining strict confidentiality across competing supplier portfolios.
• Architect and manage a multi-vendor portfolio of specialist optics and crystal suppliers, navigating different wavelengths, competing solutions, and proprietary technologies.
• Collaborate with system architects and physicists to define test campaigns and qualification specifications, ensuring they are properly scoped, resourced, and scheduled before lab execution.
• Supervise and mentor laser engineers and laser technicians responsible for experimental execution, data collection, and test reporting to ensure data quality, protocol compliance, and timely delivery.
• Synthesize findings across programs by consolidating experimental results, vendor deliverables, and comparative analyses into clear recommendations for leadership and actionable specifications for vendors.
• Communicate progress, risks, and decisions effectively to all stakeholders, including leadership, technical teams, and external partners, aligning expectations without over-burdening them.
• Evaluate optical component performance against stringent requirements for laser-induced damage threshold, spectral performance, and environmental robustness under high-energy conditions.
• Define and maintain rigorous documentation standards for optical designs, test procedures, and qualification records to support traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the development of vendor qualification protocols, conduct supplier audits, and negotiate technical agreements to secure the capabilities needed for our fusion laser systems.
• Establish and manage budgets, resource plans, and procurement timelines to prevent bottlenecks and ensure on-time delivery of critical optical components.
• Champion a culture of ownership and continuous improvement by identifying process gaps, implementing corrective actions, and driving lessons learned across the optical R&D organization.

Requirements

• Hold a Master's or PhD in Optics, Laser Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Bring 5+ years of professional experience in optics, photonics, or laser technology, with sufficient depth to credibly engage suppliers on topics like coatings, nonlinear crystals, and laser components.
• Demonstrate proven ability to manage multi-partner R&D projects, coordinating external suppliers, research service providers, and internal technical teams simultaneously.
• Show experience steering technical work packages and coordinating laboratory activities, understanding what good execution looks like without necessarily performing every hands-on experiment.
• Exhibit a strong orientation toward practical outcomes and industrialization, capable of translating technical results into vendor specifications and decisive program actions.
• Communicate fluently in English, with strong written and verbal skills for technical documentation and stakeholder discussions.
• Operate effectively as a self-directed, structured professional who is comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment with evolving priorities.
• Preferred: Experience with laser-induced damage threshold testing or optical lifetime and reliability characterization under high-fluence conditions.
• Preferred: Knowledge of advanced or emerging optical coating technologies, including deposition processes, material systems, and performance modeling.
• Preferred: Prior experience working with external optics suppliers and/or photonics research institutes in a high-tech or industrial setting.
• Preferred: Proficiency in German and/or French language skills to facilitate deeper collaboration with European partners and suppliers.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with clean energy, fusion, or high-energy laser systems is a plus but not required.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and data visualization to support optical performance trending and root cause analysis.
• Background in quality management systems or ISO standards relevant to optical manufacturing and testing.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based in our Darmstadt office.
• We offer a hybrid work model with flexibility to work from our office or remotely, depending on role requirements.
• No visa sponsorship is currently required for this role.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Participation in company events is encouraged to foster collaboration and team cohesion.