Lead Optical Design & Test Engineer – Free Space Optical (FSO) Communication Systems (f/m/d)


We are looking for a Lead Optical Design & Test Engineer to design, analyze, align, and validate optical subsystems for Free Space Optical (FSO) communication terminals. As part of a small and highly technical team, you'll work across multiple disciplines and have a direct influence on our products. Rather than owning just one small piece, you'll help shape complete cutting-edge FSO systems from concept to validation.


What You'll Do

  • Design and optimize optical systems (telescopes, relay optics, Tx/Rx paths, filters) using Zemax OpticStudio
  • Perform optical tolerancing and thermal analysis to ensure manufacturability and alignment robustness
  • Collaborate with opto-mechanical engineers to define interfaces and alignment concepts that maintain optical performance; support the design of opto-mechanics for demanding environmental conditions
  • Develop practical alignment methods, including adjustment strategies, observables, and metrology selectio
  • Design and implement optical test setups to measure beam quality, throughput, pointing accuracy, and wavefront performance.
  • Create structured test procedures and verification processes suitable for qualification and production environments
  • Create specification documents for the procurement of customized optical components. Accompany the procurement process, including the selection of international suppliers and supporting the incoming inspection
  • Analyze system-level optical performance and support link-budget-driven design trades
  • Support integration, troubleshooting, and validation during prototype and environmental testing


 What You Bring

  • Education: Master’s Degree or PhD in Optical Engineering or related fields
  • 7-10 years of experience designing optical systems  and practical laboratory validation
  • Strong proficiency in Zemax (sequential & non-sequential) including tolerancing/thermal analysis; familiarity with other tools is a plus
  • Hands-on experience aligning and testing precision optical systems
  • Understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, laser optics, and alignment sensitivity
  • Experience in developing repeatable optical test methods and documentation
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with mechanical, systems, and test engineers


Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a small team developing next-generation laser communication systems for aerospace, defense, and autonomous platforms, where individual contributions have immediate visibility and impact


Who We Are

Cucuyo develops and manufactures communication systems for the autonomous sky (flight and ground). We are located in Krailling near Munich.

You will be part of a team of technical experts to build an exciting future for the company.


Interested? Then send us your application to info@cucuyo.group