Senior Optical Engineer / Applied Physicist

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We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Senior Optical Engineer / Applied Physicist

Job Summary Lumentum d.o.o. – Optična vlakna is looking for a hands-on and curious Senior Optical Engineer / Applied Physicist to support the development of advanced optical fibers, components, and measurement systems.

The role combines a strong understanding of optics and photonics with practical laboratory work. You will investigate complex technical problems, develop and test new ideas, use software, and data analysis to improve optical performance.

You will work closely with colleagues in R&D, manufacturing, quality, and product management. The goal is to turn promising concepts into reliable products, measurement methods, and production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and improve optical fibers, optical components, and optical systems through a combination of design, software, and experimental work.
• Plan experiments that answer clear technical questions. Compare the results with theoretical models and simulations, then use the findings to guide further development.
• Build and troubleshoot free-space optical setups. This includes selecting suitable components, aligning the system, and improving its stability and performance.
• Create measurement methods and test systems for laboratory and production use.
• Develop software that supports instrument control, automated data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Investigate performance issues in both development and manufacturing. Identify likely causes and work with the relevant teams to implement practical improvements.
• Help move new technologies from development into production. Contribute to design reviews, test strategies, technical specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Document your work clearly and share technical knowledge with colleagues.

What We Are Looking For

• A Master’s degree or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of optics and photonics, supported by meaningful hands-on laboratory experience.
• Practical experience building and aligning free-space optical systems, together with a sound understanding of optical propagation, imaging, polarization, and alignment.
• The ability to plan experiments, evaluate measurement quality, analyze data, and draw technically sound conclusions.
• Programming experience in an engineering or scientific environment. Relevant tools may include Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C++, or C#.
• A practical approach to problem-solving and a willingness to investigate unfamiliar or difficult technical issues.
• The ability to take ownership of your work while collaborating effectively with people from different technical disciplines.
• Clear written and spoken English.

Additional Experience We Value

• Experience using AI-assisted software-development tools for data analysis, laboratory automation, or equipment control.
• Experience designing, characterizing, or testing optical fibers and fiber-optic components.
• Knowledge of optical-fiber waveguide theory. Relevant areas include modal behavior, attenuation, dispersion, birefringence, and nonlinear optical effects.
• Experience using optical or multiphysics simulation tools.
• Experience developing automated test systems or production metrology solutions.
• Experience creating software for data acquisition, instrument control, laboratory automation, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical methods, measurement uncertainty, design of experiments, or structured root-cause analysis.
• Experience transferring technologies, products, processes, or measurement methods from development into manufacturing.

A Note to Candidates

Candidates are not expected to have experience with every technology or method listed in this job description. We will place greater emphasis on strong optical fundamentals, practical laboratory skills, software skills , sound technical judgment, and the ability to learn and take ownership of technical work.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.