Optical Designer - Holographic Optical Systems (f/m/x)
About this role
At ZEISS Microoptics, our vision goes beyond innovation, as we are actively shaping an entirely new industry. Holography is rapidly becoming essential to next-generation automotive and consumer experiences.
ZEISS Microoptics is the world-leading technology TIER1-provider for holographic solutions, covering the entire value chain. Our technologies translate deep tech into daily life products.
Our mission: Lead the industrialization of holography. We are pioneers in integrating cutting-edge optical technologies into the automotive industry, combining microoptics and holographic technologies to redefine mobility, smart homes, and the way users interact with their surroundings.
Your Role
Develop and optimize optical system designs for imaging and illumination applications, with a focus on holographic and micro-optical technologies
Translate system requirements into robust optical concepts and evaluate their performance through simulation, tolerancing, and straylight analysis
Design, analyze, and optimize optical systems while considering performance, manufacturability, and integration requirements
Support the development and industrialization of optical solutions from concept phase to prototype and production
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electronics, software, process, and manufacturing engineering
Support validation activities, including simulation, measurement, testing, and performance verification of optical systems
Contribute to the development and improvement of internal tools, simulation methods, and modeling approaches
Drive innovation in optical system design and contribute to the advancement of holographic and micro-optical technologies
Your Profile
Degree in physics, photonics, optical engineering, mathematics, or a comparable field
Proven experience in optical design and development within an industrial, research, or academic environment
Strong expertise in optical system design, simulation, and optimization
Experience working with ray tracing and optical simulation tools such as Zemax, LightTools, FRED, or CODE V
Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or C# are an advantage
Solid background in optical simulation, including tolerancing, straylight analysis, and system optimization
Experience in the development, characterization, and integration of optical systems and components
Fluent in English and German (minimum B1 level) and strong communication, intercultural competence, and a collaborative mindset
We are looking for someone who is passionate to join our team and shape the future of holography with us.
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Stefanie KretschmannCompany at a glance
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).
For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.
With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.
With over 46,600 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide.
Learn more about ZEISS: www.zeiss.com/about
Data privacy: www.zeiss.com/data-protection
Imprint: www.zeiss.com/publisher
This is ZEISS's official LinkedIn account. It follows the ZEISS Netiquette: www.zeiss.com/netiquette
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