Job Opportunity: Embedded Optical Sensor Engineer
We are looking for an Embedded Optical Sensor Engineer to join our growing team and contribute to the development of the next generation of compact infrared sensing systems. In this role, you will work hands-on in the lab, transforming innovative ideas into tangible hardware by designing, integrating, and validating embedded optical sensor solutions aimed at detecting biochemical biomarkers. Your involvement will span the entire development cycle, from initial proof-of-concept experiments to application-ready systems.
Collaboration is key in this position, as you will work closely with experts in MEMS, optics, electronics, and data analysis within a highly interactive environment. Additionally, you will interact directly with industrial partners and leading research laboratories. This role is perfect for an engineer who takes ownership, enjoys solving complex problems, and is enthusiastic about turning ambitious concepts into functioning hardware.
As part of a deep-tech startup, you will have opportunities to engage in areas beyond pure engineering, exposing you to strategic decisions, client interactions, and fundraising activities.
This role is partially supported by publicly funded R&D programs, offering the chance to work on ambitious, well-defined research and development projects alongside internal innovation efforts.
Key Qualifications
- Master’s degree or PhD in engineering or applied science (e.g., electrical engineering, applied physics, photonics, optical engineering, or a closely related field). Candidates with equivalent qualifications through substantial hands-on industrial experience are also encouraged to apply.
- Experience with sensor systems, measurement systems, or system-level hardware development involving optoelectronic or physical sensors.
- Hands-on experience with embedded or integrated sensing systems, including signal acquisition, conditioning, and evaluation.
- Ability to build, integrate, and characterize experimental setups in a laboratory environment, from early prototypes to application-oriented demonstrators.
- Familiarity with extracting weak signals from noisy backgrounds, including sensor calibration, performance characterization, and robustness analysis.
- Experience analyzing experimental data and translating results into system-level insights and design improvements.
- Programming skills in Python for data acquisition, automation, and data analysis.
- Exposure to infrared (NIR/MIR) sensing, spectroscopy, or optoelectronic systems is a plus, but not required.
- Experience with simulation, modeling, or numerical analysis tools is a plus.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
- Prior industrial or startup experience is a strong plus.
We encourage interested individuals to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop compact embedded sensor systems for infrared sensing applications, including emitter–detector integration and system-level trade-offs.
- Build, test, and iterate sensor and optoelectronic prototypes, moving from proof-of-concept setups to application-oriented demonstrators.
- Perform system-level characterization and calibration of sensor performance with a focus on extracting weak signals from noisy or variable backgrounds.
- Develop experimental setups, test protocols, and validation procedures to evaluate robustness, repeatability, and real-world performance.
- Analyze experimental and sensor data to identify signal features and guide data-driven design improvements.
- Collaborate with MEMS, electronics, and software engineers to optimize overall system performance and integration.
- Support customer and partner evaluations through measurements, demonstrations, and clear, concise technical documentation.
What We’re Looking For
- A hands-on, system-minded engineer with a strong problem-solving mindset and curiosity to explore new approaches.
- Someone who thrives in a fast-moving startup environment, where initiative, autonomy, and ownership are highly valued.
- A collaborative team player who communicates effectively across disciplines and enjoys tackling real-world sensing challenges.
- Pragmatism combined with a drive to push technology from concept to robust, real-world applications.
Why Join 4K-MEMS?
- Contribute to cutting-edge MEMS-based infrared sensing technology with real industrial and societal impact.
- Become part of a small, highly skilled team where individual contributions are visible in the product.
- Experience a deep-tech startup environment focused on rapid experimentation and application-driven development.
- Engage in a supportive, open culture that fosters collaboration across disciplines.
If you are passionate about optical sensing, enjoy hands-on experimentation, and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative setting, we would love to hear from you.
4K-MEMS is an equal opportunities employer. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, believing they strengthen our team and our technology.