Optical Engineer (all genders) in Adaptive Optics

Shaping the technologies of tomorrow – that is our mission at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies, and Image Exploitation IOSB. We research, develop, and evaluate innovative imaging systems and ensure the optimal deployment and networking of sensors to efficiently process and analyze the resulting data streams. In this way, we support people in decision-making, process optimization, and the intelligent control of autonomous systems. Where research meets application, change happens. Shape the future with us!

Our Signatorics department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) in Ettlingen, Germany, is offering a full-time position on the subject of adaptive optics (AO).
This position is based in the Adaptive Optics Group, where research activities focus on laser propagation through turbulence (particularly along horizontal paths and in strong turbulence) and free-space laser communications. Notable research achievements include the development of a holographic wavefront sensor with a bandwidth in the 100 kHz range, a patented angular transmission wavefront sensor, and modal wavefront-sensorless AO. The group has participated in several international collaborations and experiments and has had projects funded by foreign agencies, in particular from the aerospace and defense sectors.

Would you like to be involved in the conceptualisation, experimental realisation and further development of adaptive optics systems for high-power lasers and free-space optical communications? Would you like to work on projects that benefit national defense? If so, apply to us and seize the opportunity to work in the dynamic research environment of a renowned institute!

Further information about the Adaptive Optics Group at Fraunhofer IOSB can be found at .

Be part of change

• You will design and implement in hardware novel concepts in adaptive optics
• You will perform applied research on topics of practical interest to our group, such as
  
  • AO for laser momentum transfer to combat the space debris problem
  • Coherent beam combining and target-in-the-loop AO for high-power lasers
  • Turbulence-resilient free-space optical communications systems
  • Real-time control
  • Wavefront sensors based on deep learning
  • Development and construction of new wavefront sensors
• You will write reports (in German) and publications (in English)

What you contribute

• You have an M.Sc., M.Eng., diploma, or higher academic title in physics or electrical engineering
• You have practical experience in one or more of the following areas: light propagation in the atmosphere, adaptive optics, free-space optical communications, high-energy laser physics, optical metrology, control theory, real-time programming, embedded systems, or communications engineering. Practical experience with optics is required for this position
• You have experience with Python, LabView, C, or Julia programming languages and development environments
• You can work independently with excellent time and effort management skills

What we offer

• A varied role at the interface between science and practice – with direct relevance to future technologies and socially relevant applications
• Freedom to develop and the opportunity to actively contribute your own ideas and projects
• Access to exceptionally equipped laboratories
• You will be supported by experts in the fields of: turbulence, telecommunications and high-energy laser physics
• Participation in scientific conferences and training courses is strongly encouraged, as is the publication of results in scientific journals
• Attractive conditions for balancing work and private life (e.g., flexible working hours within a flextime model, individual work-from-home arrangements)
• Individual career paths through training and development opportunities (e.g., the “Fraunhofer TALENTA” support and development program for female scientists and female leaders)
• A canteen and nearby shopping facilities
• Good public transportation connections and a subsidy for the Deutschlandticket

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The employment is on a fixed-term, 3-year contract, with the possibility of extension. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Szymon Gladysz

Adaptive Optics Group Leader

Phone: +49 7243 992-120

Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB

Requisition Number: 83079Application Deadline: 03/10/2026