R&D Engineer in Optics and Numerical Simulations 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 laser machining processes (spatial shaping of industrial lasers) or space laser communications (satellite-to-ground, inter-sat or point-to-point optical links)?

Join the Cailabs R&D department!

At Cailabs, we are always on the lookout for talents who are keen on blending their optics expertise with numerical simulations. We provide an opportunity to apply those skills to innovative projects, from laser shaping for space communications to spearheading advancements in industrial laser processing.

If you have a Ph.D. in physics, ideally in optics or a related field, possibly complemented by a hands-on industry or postdoc experience, come join our Simulation Team where your mission is to address intricate problems and bring to fruition your design ideas. You will be part of a team of Ph.D.s who share your drive to apply a technical expertise to tackle stimulating challenges

Within this role, you will find a positive group dynamic and will engage in intellectually stimulating tasks, providing significant contributions to multiple research and development initiatives in optics. You will be leading the numerical simulations of an array of various physical systems: laser beams, atmospheric turbulence phenomena, photonic circuits, etc.

Experience the pulse of a forward-thinking tech company, from the birth of a prototype to its journey towards full-scale industrialization.

You will be a key part of the Simulation Team within our Technical Department, and you will have a direct line to the head of the team.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading innovative technical developments related to numerical simulations, fundamental and applied optics.
• Designing and implementing advanced numerical tools in Python, adding to the internal code libraries of the company, to simulate a range of physical systems.
• Contributing to experimental optics projects, using the numerical tools you have developed.

Essential skills

What makes you a perfect fit:

• A Ph.D. in physics with specialized training or experience in optics, experimental or theoretical.
• Comfortable with Python or Matlab, and a knack for coding.
• Creative thinker with a proactive mindset, and a drive to see ideas come to life.
• Fluency in English to discuss technical projects with your team.

Bonus Points for:

• Experience with free-space optics: experimental optical setup, beam alignment, data acquisition.
• Prior exposure to an industrial environment, especially in roles interfacing with product development and production units.
• Familiarity with optical modelling tools and numerical propagation of laser beams (open-source libraries or proprietary platforms such as Zemax).
• Basic proficiency in French is a plus.

When you join Cailabs, you will find:

• A dynamic team of engineers and PhDs who share your enthusiasm for applying their skills to stimulating technical challenges.
• Collective inspiration and a strong intellectual interest in your work.
• A technology-leading company, spanning from prototype development to industrialization phases.

And also:

• Moments of sharing and conviviality (annual seminar, meals, group games, sports, etc.).
• A health insurance plan fully covered at 100%.
• A bonus system that rewards both collective and individual performance.

Joining Cailabs is ultimately an assurance 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

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