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 an exciting point where the project needs to advance to the next stage. After the formulation of an initial mission baseline description and mission requirements, along with recent successes with the ETH-owned laboratory testbed, the completion of a full mission concept study is of utmost priority.

The mission concept study will finalize the required satellite architecture, conduct key technical trades, and establish the overall mission development plan and implementation strategy to drive the LIFE Space Mission to successful launch and operations. To support the mission concept study, we are opening two positions in Optical Engineering.

LIFE brings together scientists, engineers, and communicators united by curiosity and the pursuit of life beyond our Solar System. We believe this is only possible through building an inclusive workplace where teams of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, ideas, and experiences can come together to tackle this generational challenge in a shared journey.

We encourage individuals who believe their profile aligns well with the position, even if they do not meet all the listed qualifications, to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Key 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.

What We Offer

A stimulating research environment at a world-leading technical university, participation in a high-profile international space mission concept, and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure await you. We provide competitive employment conditions and social benefits according to ETH Zurich standards. The contract will start as a fixed-term contract (1+1 year) with the option for extension, based on performance and funding availability.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A motivation letter (1-page max.)
• Your CV
• Relevant diplomas

For further information about the LIFE Space Mission, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position and technical inquiries should be directed 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 the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.