R&D Technology Engineer - Non linear optic metrology

NLOPTICS is a French deep tech start-up born out of an academic research project at the Institut des Sciences Moléculaires of Bordeaux. Founded in March 2025, our company combines a solid scientific heritage with an ambitious industrial vision to meet the current and future challenges of photonics and semiconductors.  

 We are developing innovative metrology technology based on nonlinear optics (R-SHG), which enables non-destructive, non-contact and highly sensitive analysis of advanced materials. This approach reveals defects and anomalies invisible to conventional methods and offers a unique quality control tool for manufacturers.

 Our ambition is clear: to support manufacturers of photonic chips and components in the integration of next-generation materials, at the heart of tomorrow's technologies.

 Joining NLOPTICS means becoming part of an entrepreneurial adventure at the crossroads of research and industry, and contributing directly to the growth of a start-up that is set to play a key role in the revolution of advanced materials for photonics and semiconductors.

The Position

We are looking for an Optical Engineer – Instrumentation & Metrology to strengthen our technical team. You will work on the design, assembly, and optimization of experimental setups and inspection systems (femtosecond laser illumination, PMT detection), considering nonlinear optics and polarization aspects. Under the supervision of the founding team, you will contribute to transferring developed concepts toward industrialization and provide occasional support to the Application R&D team.

Main Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and optimize optical experimental setups (femtosecond laser illumination, PMT imaging/detection, opto-mechanical components) to evaluate new technological concepts related to polarization and nonlinear optical phenomena in measurement chains.
• Integrate and qualify optical and electronic components (PMTs, cameras, femtosecond lasers, filters, controllers, acquisition electronics).
• Automate measurement sequences (instrument control, synchronization, acquisition) using LabVIEW (or equivalent).
• Write technical reports and contribute to technical communication materials.
• Support the transfer of developed concepts toward industrialization.
• Provide occasional support to Application R&D (setup availability, technical advice, internal analyses).

What We Offer

• Direct exposure to a fast-growing, innovative deep-tech environment.
• Opportunity to work within a high-tech ecosystem of excellence.
• Stimulating technical and scientific challenges.
• Join a promising structure with strong growth potential and rapid career development opportunities.

Profile

• Master’s degree/Engineer/PhD in optics/photonics, applied physics, or instrumentation.
• 5 years of experience in experimental laboratory work (academic or industrial) preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge in optics (ideally nonlinear optics).
• Optical instrumentation and metrology (measurement chains, imaging, PMTs, femtosecond lasers).
• Practical understanding of polarization and nonlinear optics principles applied to metrology.
• Instrument control (LabVIEW or equivalent), data acquisition and processing.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex experimental data.
• Good level of English (presentations, reports, technical exchanges).

Personal Skills

• Autonomy and scientific rigor.
• Good interpersonal and professional communication skills.
• Project management ability (multi-stakeholder, planning, deliverables).
• Analytical and synthesis skills.
• Creativity and proactivity to develop new technological concepts.

Details

• Start date: As soon as possible.
• Contract type: Permanent (CDI).
• Location: Pessac 33600, with occasional travel in France and abroad.
• Salary: Based on profile and experience.