R&D Optical Engineer – Optical Communication in Free Space W/M

Who are we ?

Founded in 2013, Cailabs is the global specialist in laser beam shaping, particularly through a unique and patented technology (MPLC), originating from scientific laboratories. The company designs, manufactures, and develops innovative photonic solutions for the aerospace, industrial (laser machining), telecommunications, and defense sectors.

Since 2020, Cailabs has experienced accelerated growth in the field of optical ground stations, enabling communication between satellites and Earth using lasers, and has now a central position in this market. Currently, one major area of activity for Cailabs is its optical ground stations TILBA-OGS, which incorporate Cailabs' technological core (MPLC) to facilitate ultra-high-speed communications despite atmospheric conditions.

Cailabs currently has over 90 employees, including 25 PhD holders. With 26 families of filed patents, the company is recognized as one of the most innovative SMEs in France.

Job description

Would you like to apply and develop your skills in optics through innovative technical projects in fields such as free-space laser communications?

Join the R&D department at Cailabs!

After gaining experience in research and development in industry or academic research, come and join a dynamic team of engineers and PhDs who share your desire to use their skills to tackle exciting technical challenges. You will find a collective synergy and a strong intellectual interest in your work.

You will be immersed in a cutting-edge technology company, from prototype development to industrialization phases.

Your role will be to lead projects for the development of new optical systems & subsystems for horizontal laser communication links.

In this capacity, your main tasks will be to:

• Manage the development of prototypes up to industrialization.
• Plan and coordinate the execution of development projects, respecting technical specifications, deadlines, and budgets.
• Propose new system architectures and optical designs based on customer needs.
• Identify, evaluate, select, and manage new suppliers and service providers.
• Prototype, interface, test, and integrate various optical subsystems.
• Collaborate with different areas of expertise and professions (electronics, mechanics, system architecture, etc.).
• Prepare documentation and technical reports for clients.

Essential skills

With a background in optics, you have practical expertise in this field.

• You have at least 5 years of experience in the development and industrialization of optical technologies.
• You are familiar with the various existing optical and photonic technologies (types of lasers, optical amplifiers, detectors, modulators...).
• You are comfortable with the design of free-space and fibered optical benches, the prototyping of integrated optical systems that are robust to external environments.
• You are autonomous, able to identify problems and find solutions, sometimes under time constraints.
• You are capable of working in a team, communicating and coordinating effectively with people from other fields (mechanics, electronics, etc.).
• Your level of English allows you to communicate on technical projects, both in writing and orally.

Additional advantages:

• You have already developed free-space optical laser communication modules, lidars, or laser rangefinders.
• You have already developed a prototype reaching a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
• Knowledge of Python/Matlab and Zemax software. 

By joining Cailabs, you will find:

• A dynamic team of engineers and PhDs who share your desire to use your skills to tackle challenging technical issues,
• A collective drive and strong intellectual interest in your work,
• A company at the forefront of technology, from prototype development to industrialization phases.

And also:

• Opportunities for sharing and socializing (annual seminar, meals, group games, sports, etc.),
• Health insurance fully covered,
• A bonus system that rewards collective and individual performance.

Joining Cailabs also ensures that everything will be done to help you excel, improve, and take on new challenges.

For more information, visit www.cailabs.com.

Required languages

• English - Level advanced
• French - Level advanced

Réf: 428b9cc1-74c6-43c4-b6f0-c706b274f229