Optical Metrology Engineer

Optical Metrology Engineer

Location: Weilheim in Oberbayern, Munich Area, Germany

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Optical Metrology Engineer to join an advanced research and development team working on next-generation optical metrology and inspection technologies.

The role will focus on the research, development, and system integration of high-precision optical measurement and inspection systems. You will investigate emerging technologies, address complex technical challenges, and contribute to the development of core capabilities in optical metrology for precision manufacturing applications.

You will work closely with R&D teams, customers, academic institutions, and industry partners across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Research advanced technologies, components, and fundamental techniques for high-end optical metrology and inspection systems.
• Contribute to customer-driven R&D projects and develop innovative technical solutions.
• Investigate current technical bottlenecks in optical metrology and develop practical approaches to improve system performance.
• Build and strengthen core technical capabilities in precision optical measurement and inspection.
• Provide technical guidance for the implementation and integration of new optical metrology solutions.
• Conduct optical system design, modelling, simulation, optimisation, and performance analysis.
• Investigate emerging technologies relevant to precision optics manufacturing and measurement.
• Evaluate optical architectures, sensing technologies, and measurement techniques for future systems.
• Perform benchmarking and competitive technology analysis within the optical metrology and inspection sector.
• Develop collaborations with industrial partners, universities, research institutes, and technology organisations across Europe.
• Support the translation of research concepts into practical engineering solutions and prototypes.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Engineering, Experimental Physics, Natural Sciences, Optics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a closely related discipline.
• At least three years of relevant R&D experience.
• Strong background in optical system design, modelling, and simulation.
• Experience using optical design and simulation software such as Zemax or comparable tools.
• Strong theoretical understanding of optics, including:
  • Geometrical optics
  • Physical optics
  • Gaussian optics
• Strong understanding of optical aberration theory and its application to optical system design and measurement.
• Practical experience with high-sensitivity wavefront measurement or optical characterisation techniques.
• Knowledge of wavefront sensing approaches such as Shack-Hartmann sensing, computer-generated holography, or comparable techniques.
• Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently investigate complex technical problems and develop practical solutions.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience within optical metrology, semiconductor inspection, precision optics, photonics, microscopy, lithography, or related high-precision technology fields.
• Experience designing or developing optical metrology or inspection instruments.
• Familiarity with interferometry, wavefront sensing, computational imaging, or precision optical measurement.
• Experience with tolerance analysis, optical alignment, calibration, and system-level performance optimisation.
• Knowledge of deep learning, artificial intelligence, or computational approaches applied to optical measurement and imaging.
• Experience combining physics-based optical models with data-driven or machine-learning techniques.
• Understanding of precision optics manufacturing processes and associated measurement challenges.
• Experience collaborating with universities, research institutions, suppliers, or industrial technology partners.
• German or Chinese language skills are advantageous but not required.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will combine strong fundamentals in optical physics with practical experience developing and analysing precision optical systems.

You should be comfortable working across theoretical modelling, simulation, experimental validation, and system integration, with the ability to translate advanced research concepts into practical metrology and inspection technologies.