Senior Principal Optical Systems Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Principal Optical Systems Engineer to lead the architecture design modeling integration characterization and validation of advanced optical microsystems and photonic test solutions. This senior individual-contributor role owns complex development efforts from concept through production release and applies deep expertise in optics and photonics to resolve multidisciplinary technical challenges.

This is an on-site position based in Karlsruhe Germany where Keystone does exciting work on advanced 3D-printed micro-optics and optical probe heads. The role is part of our parent company FormFactor and will work in close collaboration with a team on the U.S. West Coast. Candidates should be willing to travel to the U.S. several times per year.

FormFactor Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle from characterization modeling reliability and design debug to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactors products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia Europe and North America.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across engineering manufacturing quality software and commercial teams; translate customer and product needs into system requirements; and establish robust design simulation test and validation methods. This role influences technical roadmaps and engineering practices through expertise and collaboration rather than direct people management.

Optical System Architecture and Product Development

Lead development of advanced optical systems micro-optical components and photonic test solutions from concept through commercial deployment.

Translate customer product and application requirements into system architectures performance specifications interfaces and verification plans.

Own system-level optical performance and manufacturability reliability cost schedule and scalability of optical subsystems.

Drive technical decisions for complex programs with significant ambiguity multidisciplinary dependencies and business impact.

Collaborate closely with Mechanical and Controls engineering teams to integrate optical components into precision alignment systems.

Select and characterize subsystem optical components including fiber array units (FAUs) and optical connectors.

Apply structured design reviews risk assessment and requirements traceability throughout the product lifecycle.

Simulation Modeling and Analysis

Develop and validate advanced optical models using wave optics diffraction beam propagation and photonic-device simulation methods.

Perform tolerance analysis sensitivity analysis error budgeting and performance prediction for complete optical systems.

Correlate simulation results with laboratory measurements production data and field performance.

Test Metrology and Automation

Lead development of optical characterization techniques measurement methods fixtures and system-level verification strategies.

Define automated test and data-acquisition approaches supporting development manufacturing and quality assurance.

Integrate advanced metrology image processing and in-line monitoring solutions for process control and performance verification.

Use statistical analysis and data-driven methods to improve repeatability capability yield and product performance.

Degree or PhD in Optical Engineering Physics Photonics Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.

8 years of relevant experience in optical-system development photonics semiconductor

equipment or test and measurement. Equivalent combinations of education and industry experience may be considered.

Deep expertise in wave optics optical-system analysis and photonic devices.

Demonstrated success leading complex technical projects from concept through implementation or product release.

Strong experience with optical modeling simulation tolerance analysis and experimental correlation.

Hands-on experience developing and validating optical test and measurement methodologies.

Proven ability to independently solve complex multidisciplinary problems and make sound technical decisions with incomplete information.

Excellent written verbal and presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex topics to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

Experience with silicon photonics photonic integrated circuits or wafer-level optical testing.

Demonstrated experience in optical design and analysis using ANSYS Zemax.

Knowledge of advanced microfabrication additive manufacturing cleanroom or semiconductor process technologies.

Experience with precision optical alignment opto-mechanical systems packaging and system integration.

Programming and automation experience using Python MATLAB LabVIEW or similar tools.

Familiarity with machine vision image processing automated inspection statistical process control or design of experiments.

Competitive salary and bonus structure.

The opportunity to work on leading semiconductor test technology in the growing photonics industry.

A pleasant working environment in Karlsruhe including access to a canteen.

A supportive and international team culture.

Rooted in our core values Focus on the Customer Ownership & Accountability Respectfully & Effectively Communicate and Motivate & Develop People we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether its improving products supporting customers or positively influencing peers and the community the contributions of our people matter.

Please send your application to