Optical Engineer

Salary: 44-62k

Experience: 0-4 years

Start Date: Immediate

About LPS

We provide rail operators with laser-based rail cleaning systems that reduce disruptions, improve safety and lower environmental impact. Our team is a mix of experienced engineering and software development professionals, dedicated to addressing low adhesion challenges through innovation, collaboration and commitment to quality.

Our ‘LaserTrain’ product can clean autonomously at speeds up to 75 mph without relying on consumable products like water or sand, contributing to significant reductions in downtime and enhanced safety across railway networks during critical slip-slide seasons. At present, we have 4 systems commercially active in the US and ambitious plans to expand our cleaning fleet across Europe and the UK in coming years. In addition, we are developing our Track Contamination Detector product.

About The Role

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Team Size: 3 | Reports to: Tim van Leent

Visa Requirements: You have an EU passport or can travel to the EU, UK and USA

As an Optical Engineer at LPS, your primary focus will encompass the design, simulation, and testing of high-power optical setups employed for laser ablation. Key items you will be investigating are:

1. Can/should we increase our depth of focus and implementation strategies.
2. Methods to mitigate thermal influences
3. Exploring techniques for measuring the focus position of the ablation laser while driving 60mph+
4. Improvements in laser safety

You will be enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the LaserTrain systems, and will be actively involved in the installation, testing, and maintenance of the systems. This involves visiting clients in the US/EU for up to two months each year.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating directly with our lead developers and CTO.
• Designing, simulating, building, and characterizing optical assemblies for high-power lasers.
• Work with the mechanical team to develop optical packaging.
• Conducting quality control for optical systems.
• Provide essential support for future certification processes for EU LaserTrain models, particularly regarding laser safety.
• Own the installation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of LaserTrain systems at our clients (USA/EU) during the autumn.

Requirements

• Completed a technical education in Physics, Photonics, or similar
• Comfortable solving optical engineering challenges independently.
• Experience with optical simulations, particularly with tools like Zemax.
• Proficiency in automating test and measurement setups.
• Programming experience, especially with languages such as Python, MATLAB, or LabView.
• Familiarity with multi-kilowatt laser systems is a definite advantage.
• Knowledge of systems-engineering and certification processes is a pro.
• Ability to articulate solutions to team members outside of your field.
• Clear and effective communication skills in English; French is an advantage.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to be part of an ambitious, fun and dynamic team, with a pleasant informal and international working atmosphere. Staff are compensated for daily commutes, receive 32 holiday days per year, and are enrolled in the company pension scheme. LPS is a fast growing and disruptive laser technology company that offers huge opportunities for personal development and growth as the business expands. We can provide a working visa for the Netherlands.