Optical Engineer / Experimental Physicist, 100%, fixed-term

Our research group for Exoplanets and Habitability at the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics at ETH Zurich is leading an international initiative for the Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE), an ambitious space mission to observe and characterize earth-like exoplanets at mid-infrared wavelengths. As part of the initiative, we are developing the Nulling Interferometry Cryogenic Experiment (NICE), a laboratory experiment to demonstrate the fundamental measurement principle of LIFE under cryogenic conditions at realistic fluxes and wavelengths. NICE is entering its preliminary design phase and we seek to strengthen our project team with an Optical engineer / Experimental Physicist (100%) with a strong background in optical design, high-accuracy alignment and manufacturing processes of optical components for cryogenic conditions in the infrared. Initially, the position will be for 2 years with the option for extension up to 5 years maximum (subject to performance).

Job description
Your tasks will consist of supporting the optical design, conducting optical system engineering, providing tolerance analysis and maintaining the optical budgets of NICE. Further, we expect you to manage the specifications and procurement of the optical components. Finally, you will lead the integration, alignment, and verification of the optical subsystems and finally, support the commissioning of the NICE setup. In parallel, we expect that you will support a concept study for the LIFE space mission based on the knowledge and experience obtained during the development of NICE.

Your profile

• You should hold a university master’s degree in optical engineering or experimental physics (or equivalent) with experience in optical design and analysis, hands-on experience with optical alignment techniques for cryogenic optical systems and ideally, also in interferometry.
• Experience with fibre optics, high-precision optics and cryogenic optomechanical implementations are an asset.
• Feeling comfortable working in a diverse team, together with industrial partners and dealing with complex, long-term and science-driven project processes.
• Skills in utilizing optical modelling software, such as ZEMAX and multiphysics applications, such as COMSOL, are essential. 
• Excellent communication and practical problem-solving skills are required. The working language (written and spoken) is English. 

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application porta l. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.