Optical Engineer / Optical Engineeress

Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics, Exoplanet & Habitability

The LIFE Space Mission, led by the Exoplanets & Habitability Group at ETH Zurich, has reached a pivotal point in its development. Following the formulation of an initial mission baseline description and recent successes with the ETH-owned laboratory testbed, completing a full mission concept study is our top priority. This study will determine the required satellite architecture, conduct essential technical evaluations, and finalize the overall mission development plan to ensure the LIFE Space Mission's successful launch and operation.

LIFE brings together scientists, engineers, and communicators driven by curiosity and the quest for life beyond our Solar System. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, ideas, and experiences converge to tackle this generational challenge as a team.

Recognizing that some individuals may hesitate to apply if they do not meet all listed qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application if you feel your profile aligns well with this opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• 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

• 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 a plus.
• Extensive experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED, ASAP, or equivalent).
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent 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, where you can participate in a high-profile international space mission concept and access state-of-the-art research infrastructure. We provide competitive employment conditions and social benefits according to ETH Zurich standards. The initial contract will be fixed-term (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.

For further information about the LIFE Space Mission, please visit our website. For technical inquiries regarding the position, contact Dr. Adrian Glauser, Co-PI and Technical Lead of the LIFE mission, at glauser@phys.ethz.ch (no applications).

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

We would also like to emphasize that the pre-selection process is handled by responsible recruiters, not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.