Optics and Opto-electronics Laboratory Operations Engineer

We are looking for a ​Laboratory Engineer​ to complete our consultants Workforce Management Service to support the ​Optics and Opto-electronics Laboratory​ of the European Space Agency (ESA) at their location in ​Noordwijk, the Netherlands​. The purpose of this Support Service is to ​provide expert advice, evaluate promising novel technologies prior to industrial activities and independently assess the outcome of industrial activities in support to ESA’s projects in the field of Optical payload instrumentation and optoelectronic sub-systems​. 

The ESTEC Laboratories of the Optics, Robotics and Life Science Division are ones of a suite of unique world-class laboratories within The Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) of the European Space Agency (ESA). Within the domains covered by the Division, the laboratories currently implement numerous tests and engineering analyses per year across a range of disciplines. The laboratories host a wide range of analytical state-of-the-art bench top equipment, as well as multiple purpose-built facilities for specific environmental, electro-mechanic and optical testing. A common scope of all laboratories of the Division is to provide availability to state-of-the-art facilities for the training and education of ESA stagiaires and young graduates. 

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at the interview stage). 

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap, or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment. 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to: 

The Optics & Opto-Electronics Laboratory (OOEL) offers the following services:  

• Assessment and experimental verification of optical instrument design concepts, measurement principles and contractor’s performance achievements in support of ESA projects and its R&D activities; 

• Test and performance verification at component and subsystem level, including wavefront error (WFE), bi-directional scatter distribution (BSDF), absolute spectroradiometric measurements, detector characterisation, high power laser and diode laser testing, optical and quantum communication measurements; 

• Execution of “emergency/fire brigade” investigations and independent assessment in cases of payload malfunctioning, anomalies or hardware failures; 

• Assistance to ESA projects and industry (in particular SMEs) with precision optical metrology tasks and verification activities outside their available test resources or beyond their area of expertise; 

• Maintenance of hands-on expertise and levels of excellence of ESA staff and lab employees in optical measurement techniques and to ensure compliance of the lab capabilities and procedures with globally agreed best practices. 

In particular, the Laboratory Engineer will: 

• Provide expert advice on electro-optical verification methods and photonic material issues in support of projects and technology R&D; 

• Support customers with the design, development and verification of photonic systems, including lasers, receiver chains, detectors, fiber-optic components and systems; 

• Assist in the calibration of the optical test set-ups; 

• Operate the test set-ups during test sequences. 

Additionally, the Laboratory Engineer might be tasked with the following: 

• Plan and execute standard optical measurements of optical systems, and components such as but not limited to bi-directional scatter distribution (BSDF), wavefront error (WFE), modulation transfer function (MTF), spectral transmission/reflection, surface inspection, spectro-radiometric and straylight characterisation/calibration; 

• Provide expert advice on optical test and verification methods, use of optical materials, optical design and optical system performance analysis (including Straylight) issues in support of ESA projects and technology R&D activities with industry and academic or research institutes; 

• Analyse, evaluate, and interpret optical measurement data and results and provide formal written reports to the laboratory customers; 

• Perform and assist to the alignment and integration of optical systems and optical ground support equipment; 

• Install and maintain computer software and hardware for measurements, data acquisition and analysis.   

• Assist to the smooth operation of test activities by establishing software control of equipment using appropriate software tools such as Python or LabView.   

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the mandatory requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection. 

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Experimental or Applied Physics, Applied Optics, or Optical Engineering; 

• At least 4 years of relevant working experience in precision optical measurements at system, sub-assembly and component level; 

• At least 4 years of relevant working experience in precision photonics measurements including high power lasers at system, sub-assembly and component level; 

• Experience with test activity execution and test report preparation; 

• Experience with test procedure development and maintenance; 

• Experience with laboratory management; 

• Experience with inventory database, calibration & maintenance plan preparation; 

• Experience with routine tests on microsectioning and sample preparation (SMT, PCB, metallic, ceramic, glasses, CFRP, welds/brazes); 

• Fair experience of people management; 

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the EU;   

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. 

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.