Optical Engineer / Optical Engineeress

Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics, Exoplanet & Habitability

The LIFE Space Mission, spearheaded by the Exoplanets & Habitability Group at ETH Zurich, is at an exciting juncture as we advance to the next stage of our project. Following the formulation of our initial mission baseline description and recent successes with our ETH-owned laboratory testbed, completing a comprehensive mission concept study is now our highest priority. This study will finalize the required satellite architecture, conduct critical technical trades, and outline the overall mission development plan and implementation strategy, ensuring the successful launch and operations of the LIFE Space Mission.

We foster a collaborative environment where scientists, engineers, and communicators are united by curiosity and the pursuit of life beyond our Solar System. We believe our mission can only succeed through an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, ideas, and experiences. We encourage individuals who believe their profile aligns with the position to apply online using the form below, even if they do not meet all the listed qualifications.

Job Description

The successful candidates will contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of high-precision optical systems for mid-infrared space-based interferometry. Responsibilities include:

• Design and analyze optical systems for space interferometry
• Perform optical simulations, performance modeling, and tolerance analyses
• Conduct polarization analyses and assessments of interferometric optical systems
• Perform straylight and ghost analysis to ensure compliance with high-contrast performance requirements
• Contribute to the development of beam combination and wavefront control concepts
• Support laboratory experiments and technology demonstrators
• Interface optical designs with mechanical, thermal, and control system constraints
• Support calibration, validation, verification, and test activities
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and scientific publications
• Contribute to mission studies and proposal activities

Qualifications

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field
• Solid background in physical optics; experience in interferometry and/or cryogenic optics is an asset
• Extensive experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED, ASAP, or equivalent)
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
• Very good command of English (written and spoken)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space optics or astronomical instrumentation
• Knowledge of polarization effects in optical systems and straylight mitigation strategies
• Experience with laboratory optical setups and optical metrology

What We Offer

Join us in a stimulating research environment at a world-leading technical university and participate in a high-profile international space mission concept. You'll have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and competitive employment conditions with social benefits in line with ETH Zurich standards. The contract will begin as a fixed-term agreement (1+1 year) with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about the LIFE Space Mission can be found on our website. For any questions regarding the position or technical inquiries, please contact Dr. Adrian Glauser, Co-PI and Technical Lead of the LIFE mission, at glauser@phys.ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to emphasize that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not through artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.