Join Our Team as an Embedded Optical Sensor Engineer
We are seeking an Embedded Optical Sensor Engineer to join our growing team and contribute to the development of the next generation of compact infrared sensing systems. This hands-on role involves transforming innovative ideas into tangible hardware by designing, integrating, and validating embedded optical sensor solutions aimed at biochemical biomarkers. You will engage in the entire development cycle, from early proof-of-concept experiments to application-ready systems, all within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with experts in MEMS, optics, electronics, and data analysis. You will also work directly with industrial partners and leading research laboratories, making this position ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex problems, and turning ambitious ideas into functional hardware.
As a member of our deep-tech startup, you will have opportunities to engage beyond traditional engineering roles, gaining insights into strategic decisions, client interactions, and fundraising activities. This position is supported in part by publicly funded R&D programs, allowing you to work on well-defined research and development projects alongside our internal innovation initiatives.
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). Equivalent qualifications from substantial hands-on industrial experience are also welcomed.
- Experience with sensor systems, measurement systems, or system-level hardware development related to optoelectronic or physical sensors.
- Hands-on experience with embedded or integrated sensing systems, including signal acquisition, conditioning, and evaluation.
- Capability 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 using algorithmic, experimental, or system-level approaches.
- Experience analyzing experimental data and translating results into system-level insights and design enhancements.
- Proficiency in Python for data acquisition, automation, and data analysis.
- Exposure to infrared (NIR/MIR) sensing, spectroscopy, or optoelectronic systems is a plus.
- Experience with simulation, modeling, or numerical analysis tools (optical, electrical, or system-level) is advantageous.
- Ability to work independently while effectively contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
- Prior industrial or startup experience is a strong plus.
We encourage candidates who meet most, but not necessarily all, of the listed qualifications to apply online using the form below. Please note that 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, modulation approaches, and system-level trade-offs.
- Build, test, and iterate on sensor and optoelectronic prototypes, from early proof-of-concept setups to application-oriented demonstrators.
- Perform system-level characterization and calibration of sensor performance, focusing 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, quantify performance limits, 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 methodologies.
- Someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, adapted to evolving priorities, where initiative and ownership are greatly valued.
- A collaborative team player who communicates clearly across disciplines and enjoys tackling complex, real-world sensing challenges.
- A blend of pragmatism and curiosity, along with the drive to advance technology from concept to robust, applicable systems.
Why Join 4K-MEMS?
- Work on cutting-edge MEMS-based infrared sensing technology with tangible industrial and societal impact.
- Become part of a small, highly skilled team where individual contributions significantly influence the product.
- Experience a deep-tech startup atmosphere blending rapid experimentation with system-level problem solving and application-driven development.
- Collaborate across disciplines within an open, supportive, and technically ambitious culture.
If you are passionate about optical sensing, enjoy hands-on experimentation, and thrive in a high-paced, collaborative environment, 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.