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 FormFactor’s 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.

Tasks

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.

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