Optical Ground Station Engineer

Rennes, France

Are you an optics enthusiast looking to push the boundaries of space communications? If designing cutting-edge laser technologies, developing advanced optical systems, and collaborating with a team of brilliant engineers excites you-this could be your next move.

This fast-growing company in Rennes, a global specialist in photonics, is shaking up the space, defense, and telecom sectors. Known for its groundbreaking optical ground station (OGS) systems, they’re at the forefront of laser shaping technology. As they scale up, they’re looking for an Optical R&D Engineer to help turn big ideas into industry-leading solutions.

What will you actually do?

You’ll be working on projects that span from research to industrialization, taking prototypes all the way to market. Your day-to-day could include:

• Designing, building, and testing optical systems and subsystems.
• Experimenting with free-space optics, aligning systems, and optimizing performance.
• Developing new system architectures tailored to unique client needs.
• Leading integration projects that combine optics with mechanical and electronic subsystems.
• Improving the performance of existing products while staying on the lookout for innovation opportunities.

In short, you’ll be deeply involved in both the creative and technical problem-solving sides of optical system development.

What makes this role exciting?

This isn’t just R&D for R&D’s sake-you’ll be part of one of the first companies to use optical technology for ultra-high data rates in commercial ground stations. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your work translate into real-world results, enabling ultra-high data rates in global communications.

Beyond the technical impact, you’ll thrive in an environment where innovation meets collaboration. This team moves fast, encourages cross-discipline teamwork, and has a culture where everyone is hands-on and encouraged to experiment.

What do you bring to the table?

To hit the ground running, you’ll need:

• Strong technical skills in optics-design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems in free space.
• Experience programming for automated data acquisition and processing.
• The ability to problem-solve independently while keeping up with deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset-someone who works seamlessly with engineers from different fields like mechanics and electronics.
• Any french speaking capabilities will offer you a strong priority.

It’s a bonus if you’ve worked with tools like Zemax or have experience leading multi-disciplinary projects. While French language skills are a plus (some documents and discussions aren’t fully in English), they’re not essential if you’re eager to learn.

Why join this team?

This is your chance to contribute to technology at the cutting edge of the space industry. On top of that:

• Be part of a company blending startup energy with long-term stability (10+ years in the game and counting).
• Work in an international environment where you’ll be challenged daily.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, 100% employer-covered health insurance, and plenty of team-building activities.

You’ll also get to experience life in Rennes-a hub for tech innovation in France-while being just 1.5 hours from Paris.

Ready to take your optics expertise to the next level?

This is your chance to join a company doing groundbreaking work in space laser communication while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Let’s chat and see if this is the right fit for you!

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade