senior optical engineer / lens designer
Aug 12, 2026 · THEON International
What you'll do
- Design new test setups, stations, and lenses for optical products
- Perform DRI calculations using TRM4 and NV-IPM software
- Define optical specifications and requirements for protective windows in electro-optical systems
- Conduct prototype characterization and adjustments
- Interface with production for troubleshooting and interpreting optical measurements
- Plan and conduct technology transfer projects
- Assemble and test prototypes with interdisciplinary engineers
- Manage product development from design through industrialization phases
- Write technical specifications and user manuals for test stations
- Lead and participate in field trials, customer demos, and exhibitions
Key requirements
- Expertise with optical design software Code V and Zemax
- Proficiency in optics laboratory environments
- Knowledge of coatings technologies for protective windows and lenses
- Experience with TRM4 and NV-IPM software
- Basic Matlab and Labview programming skills
- Strong technical writing abilities and English proficiency
- Understanding of experimental physics and electrical engineering with optics
- Collaboration in cross-functional teams and multitasking capabilities
- Physics / Electrical Engineeringpreferred
Benefits
- Travel up to 3 weeks per year.
About the job
As a Senior Optical Engineer Lens Designer at Theon Group, you will lead the development and optimization of advanced optical systems for defense, security, and industrial applications. Leveraging your expertise in optical design, particularly in lens systems, you will be responsible for the end-to-end design process—from initial concept and requirements definition to prototype development, testing, and final validation. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including mechanical, systems, and manufacturing engineers, you will ensure that optical components meet stringent performance, environmental, and cost requirements. This role demands a high level of technical proficiency in optical simulation software (e.g., Code V, Zemax), deep understanding of imaging and non-imaging optics, and a proven ability to innovate in compact, ruggedized optical designs for field deployment.
Key Responsibilities
You will come across a diverse range of tasks such as:
- Design new Test Setups/Stations/Lenses for optical products
- DRI Calculations with the use of the TRM4 SW and the NV-IPM SW
- Define the Optical Specifications/Requirements in the design of Protective Windows for Electro-Optical Systems
- Conduct prototype characterization and adjustment of new products
- Interface with Production for trouble-shooting and interpreting Optical Measurements
- Plan and conduct Transfer of Technology projects
- Assemble/Test Prototypes, with the help of other Engineers (Systems, Mechanical, Assembly/Integration/Testing)
- Follow new products after their Design Phase until their Industrialization Phase, by designing test setups/stations, conducting measurements, trouble-shooting and finalizing their performance.
- Technical Writing: compose Technical Specifications & User Manuals for test stations.
- Lead and participate in Field Trials
- Participate in Customer Demos
- Participate in Exhibitions
- Travel requirement: up to 3 weeks per year
Required Qualifications & Skills
- M.Sc. Degree in experimental Physics, or Electrical Engineering with knowledge of Optics
- Working experience in optical design software such as Code V or Zemax
- Proficiency in an Optics Laboratory Environment
- Knowledge of Coatings Technologies for Protective Windows and Lenses
- Knowledge of TRM4 SW will be a plus
- Knowledge of NV-IPM SW will be a plus
- Basic knowledge of Matlab and Labview programming
- Excellent command of the English Language (German will be a plus)
- Open-minded and multi-tasking orientation
