Optical Engineer / Optical Engineeress

Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics, Exoplanet & Habitability

The LIFE Space Mission is spearheaded by the Exoplanets & Habitability Group at ETH Zurich and has now reached a pivotal stage of development. Following the formulation of an initial mission baseline description and mission requirements, along with recent successes at the ETH-owned laboratory testbed, completing a comprehensive mission concept study has become a top priority. This study will establish the required satellite architecture, conduct essential technical evaluations, and outline the overall mission development plan and implementation strategy to propel the LIFE Space Mission toward a successful launch and operations.

To support the mission concept study, we are excited to announce two openings in Optical Engineering.

LIFE unites scientists, engineers, and communicators driven by curiosity and the pursuit of life beyond our Solar System. We believe this endeavor is achievable only through fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, ideas, and experiences converge to confront this generational challenge together.

We understand that some individuals might hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. Research indicates that this is particularly common among women. If you believe your profile aligns well with this position, we encourage you to apply online using the form below, even if you do not meet all the specified qualifications.

Position 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 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 as well as 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

Your Benefits:

Join us in a stimulating research environment at a world-leading technical university and participate in a high-profile international space mission concept. Enjoy access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and competitive employment conditions, including social benefits according to ETH Zurich standards. The contract will start as a fixed-term agreement (1+1 year) with the option for 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. If you have questions regarding the position or technical inquiries, please reach out to 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 like to emphasize that the pre-selection is conducted by responsible recruiters rather than artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the terms and conditions of ETH Zurich apply.