Photonics Engineer

PHOTONICS ENGINEER - GHENT (BELGIUM) - PERMANENT POSITION

Position Summary

We are seeking a Photonics Engineer to design, develop, and integrate advanced photonic systems for next-generation applications.

This role involves working on the forefront of optical technologies - ranging from lasers and optical sensors to fiber-optic communications and integrated photonic circuits.

You will collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams including electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to deliver robust, high-performance optical solutions for mission-critical platforms.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in photonics, optics, or optoelectronics, combined with hands-on experience in laboratory prototyping and system integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and simulate photonic and optoelectronic components and subsystems (e.g., lasers, modulators, detectors, waveguides).
• Develop prototypes and perform laboratory testing of optical systems and components.
• Analyze and model optical performance using tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, Zemax, or similar.
• Integrate photonic devices into larger electrical, mechanical, or space systems.
• Collaborate with electronics and firmware engineers for control, data acquisition, and signal processing.
• Evaluate environmental performance including thermal stability, vibration, and radiation resistance (as applicable).
• Prepare documentation for design reviews, test procedures, and compliance verification.
• Support the transition of designs from R&D to production, including test automation and quality assurance processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in photonics or optical system design (industry or academic research).
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Lumerical, COMSOL, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with lasers, fiber optics, free-space optics, optical detectors, and interferometry.
• Strong lab skills including alignment, measurement, and debugging of optical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Experience with integrated photonic platforms (e.g., silicon photonics, InP, LiNbO3).
• Knowledge of space or military-grade hardware development standards.
• Experience with packaging and environmental testing of optical systems.
• Familiarity with optomechanics and CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Software or scripting experience (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) for data analysis and automation.

The Offer:

• A permanent, full-time employment contract
• A salary & benefits package commensurate with experience

Please send over your CV to or call me on (0) 3 . As always, we are open to recommendations, so please feel free to pass this on to other suitable candidates.