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, mission requirements, and recent successes with the ETH-owned laboratory testbed, the completion of a full mission concept study is of utmost priority. This study will finalize the required satellite architecture, conduct key technical trades, and develop the overall mission implementation strategy to drive the LIFE Space Mission toward a successful launch and operation.

Join Our Team

LIFE brings together scientists, engineers, and communicators united by curiosity and the pursuit of life beyond our Solar System. We believe this is achievable only through fostering an inclusive workplace where teams of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, ideas, and experiences collaborate to tackle this generational challenge.

We understand that some individuals may hesitate to apply if they do not meet all the specified requirements. Research indicates that this is particularly true for women. If you believe your profile aligns well with this position, we invite you to apply even if you do not meet every qualification listed.

Position Overview

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

• 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

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

Application Process

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 any technical inquiries related to the position, please contact Dr. Adrian Glauser, Co-PI and Technical Lead of the LIFE mission, at glauser@phys.ethz.ch (applications should not be sent via this email).

We appreciate your interest in joining our team!