Technical employee - Optical metrology & system development (IOF-2024-27) in Jena bei Applied Optics and Precision Engineering

The Fraunhofer - Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts applied research in the field of photonics and develops innovative optical systems to control light - from its generation and manipulation to its application. The services offered by the institute cover the entire photonic process chain ranging from opto-mechanical and opto-electronical system design to the manufacturing of customer-specific solutions and prototypes.

In our group «Advanced Micro-optical Components» we realize unique high-precision micro-optical components and systems using photolithographic processes, e.g., for miniaturized lighting and sensor systems for handhelds, robotics, the automotive sector and space applications.

We are looking for a technical employee to strengthen our team to further develop our innovative gray tone photolithography tool and wafer-based lithography processes, and to conduct innovative research projects in micro- & nanophotonics.

What you will do

Main focus

• Adaptation and further development of a photolithography tool to meet the requirements of novel micro-optical applications
• Transformation of customer specification into microstructure demands and monitoring of lithographic realization
• Processing technical aspects of research projects and projects for renowned industrial customers
• Development of optical measurement instrumentation to reveal microoptics’ properties and correlation with lithographic process parameters

Your area of work includes the following activities

• Determination of optical function of microoptical elements and components (refractive and diffractive) and feedback for the requirements of the manufacturing process
• Ongoing development of optical components of a photolithographic projection tool to improve process stability and exposure quality and speed.
• Documentation and project reporting
• Prospective acceptance of project management tasks
• Supervision of student assistants, e.g. during qualification

What you bring to the table

• Completed studies (M.Sc. / M.Eng.) in optical engineering, physics, microsystems technology or a comparable course of study related to optics
• Broad basic knowledge about current research topics in optics
• Relevant practical experience in optical measurement instrumentation or system development
• programming experience ideally in Python to solve scientific tasks
• A proven knowledge in optical design methods is an advantage (e.g. Zemax)
• Willingness to work in ISO 6 cleanroom laboratory
• Strong hands-on mentality
• High degree of self-reliance and initiative as well as a systematic and solution-oriented way of working
• Confident manner in communication with customers and project partners
Very good spoken and written English (B2) and German (B2)

What you can expect

• Working in a dynamic, open-minded, and interdisciplinary team
• Challenging and demanding projects in a highly innovative and international research and development environment
• Excellent working environment with state-of-the-art production machines and analysis devices
• Collaboration with leading international experts and entrepreneurs
• High degree of individual responsibility, diversified tasks, personal and professional development opportunities
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly working environment

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The position will be limited initially for 2 years. We are looking for a long-term employment. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking dev