Principal Expert Researcher – Camera Optical Design (m/f/d)

NXT Talent Studio | Empowering Careers. Enabling Organizations.

Shape the next generation of optical architectures in a global research center

Do you stand for absolute technological excellence in optics and want to lead the architectural development of groundbreaking imaging products? We are seeking an outstanding subject matter expert for the research center at the optics hub in Jena on behalf of a highly innovative, globally operating technology company. In this position, you will be primarily responsible for forward-looking technological research, the architectural development of optical products, and strategic technology planning.

In this role, you will guide the entire design cycle of advanced optical imaging systems - from concept to the finished product, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and freeform optics. You will solve key challenges through technological innovations, integrate the optical development infrastructure across various manufacturing stages, and thereby drive end-to-end capabilities in the areas of system design, simulation, manufacturing, and metrology.

Your Key Responsibilities

• You research and design mobile phone imaging lenses and new optical architectures, solve key challenges through innovation, and draft patents.
• You oversee the entire design cycle—from concept to product—for advanced optical systems, including fixed focal length lenses, zoom lenses, and freeform optics.
• You conduct comprehensive analyses of optical designs, such as tolerance analysis, athermalization, and stray light optimization.
• You integrate the optical development infrastructure across various stages of completion to build manufacturing-oriented, end-to-end capabilities in design, simulation, and metrology.
• You work from requirements analysis through system simulation to proof of concept, identifying central technological challenges and driving breakthroughs.
• You collaborate closely with globally distributed, cross-functional teams, as well as leading academic and industrial research institutions in the EU.
• You attend academic conferences and present the latest research findings in leading scientific journals.

Your Qualifications & Profile

• Proven experience in the design and development of novel optical imaging systems.
• Profound theoretical knowledge in geometric, diffractive, and/or physical optics.
• Routine proficiency with software for ray tracing, optical design, and simulation.
• Excellent skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution, as well as a systematic and goal-oriented approach to work.
• Effective communication skills at both the technical and executive levels.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a high degree of independence in a dynamic business environment.
• Fluent written and spoken English, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.

Nice To Have

• A completed Ph.D. in an optics-related field is preferred.
• Programming skills, particularly experience with Python or other high-level scripting languages.
• Experience in presenting the latest research results at leading conferences or in professional journals.
• An existing network to establish and maintain close collaborations with leading European academic and industrial research institutions.

Why Join This R&D Ecosystem?

• A corporate culture characterized by innovation, team spirit, and intense knowledge exchange within a global network.
• A competitive compensation package.
• Independent work in a competent, motivated, and steadily growing team.
• A wide range of further education opportunities, including extensive online and on-site training programs.

Ready to drive sustainable change in R&D high-technology industry? Simply send us your application documents. We look forward to getting to know you!

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Both we and our client believe in the power of diversity and foster an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome all applications—regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity. Your qualifications and your passion for the construction sector are what matter most to us.