Are you a proactive team player with experience in in the domain of optics for space who likes to work in multidisciplinary teams on a variety of different projects? Then you are the engineer we’re looking for! 

Imagine a world where data flows instantly between earth and space, providing real-time access to life-saving services and strengthening global security with unbreakable communication lines. This is the future we are building.

FSO Instruments is at the forefront of developing advanced laser satellite communication technology. Together with our partners and shareholders we are committed to strengthening the Dutch space industry and pushing the boundaries of communication systems to enable faster, more reliable, and secure connections between satellites, airplanes, drones and ground stations. By pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, we are shaping the future of space communication, both locally and globally. 

FSO Instruments is a Joint Venture between DEMCON and VDL that develops and manufactures optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. FSO Instruments combines the strengths of DEMCON and VDL ETG, inspired by TNO technologies, to let laser satellite communication take the step towards industrialization. We have strong heritage in Semiconductor and Aerospace, and bring this to optical communications: • Developing and engineering of laser communication terminals • Modular and Standardized functional (sub-)systems for laser communication• High tech contract manufacturing expertise for cost-effective high-volume production. 

At FSO Instruments we work closely with dedicated partners for development and supply, as well as with our parent companies to ensure we achieve the most competitive products for the market for optical communications in space.  

• Creating detailed (optical) test plans for component-level and system-level verification.
• Defining test setups including lasers, detectors, alignment tools, and environmental conditions.
• Writing procedures for optical alignment, calibration, and performance validation.
• Documenting results in test reports
• Review product optical designs for optical manufacturability, alignment strategy, testability.
• Reviewing optical designs on technical performance (e.g., telescopes, fiber coupling, detector performance).
• Building optical setups and performing optical tests (Beam profiling, wavefront sensing, throughput and insertion loss, pointing accuracy and jitter)
• Alignment and calibration of optical subsystems using lasers, collimators, fibers
• Environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum) to validate optical performance under space conditions.
• Defining optical performance requirements (e.g., wavefront error, throughput, alignment tolerances).

• Completed a BSc or MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Aerospace Engineering, or similar;
• You have at least 5 years of relevant work experience as an optical engineer in a multidisciplinary environment;
• You have the ability to work independently and have the communication skills to explain your work;
• You are enthusiastic, flexible and show initiative and perseverance
• You have knowledge of Zemax or similar optical design software;
• You have fluent command of the English language. 

At FSO Instruments we have a ‘flat’ organization where people can easily find and help each other. We value a comfortable and inclusive workplace. There is a lot of emphasis put on personal needs and we discourage overtime, because we know how important work-life balance is.

Furthermore, you can count on, among other things:

• A good, market-based salary;
• 31 days off and 8% vacation allowance;
• Possibility to work from home, maximum 2 days a week.
• A good pension plan at Zwitserleven; 
• The opportunity to follow training and courses, or externally, so you can further develop your knowledge;
• A laptop and mobile phone from work;
• Bicycle plan.

Please contact our recruitment colleagues at careers@fso-instruments.nl or at Hessel.edelijn@demcon.com