Lead Optical Measurement Systems Engineer

Agurotech is a fast-growing high-tech AgTech company developing sensor technology, weather stations and software that enable farmers to use resources more efficiently while improving yields. Our products are already delivering tangible results in the field across 25+ countries. Headquartered in Amsterdam, we are scaling internationally and continue to strengthen our R&D capabilities to expand our sensing solutions.

The Role
We are looking for a  Lead Optical Measurement Systems Engineer  to own the end-to-end optical measurement architecture for a next-generation in-field soil sensing system. This is a hands‑on role (not simulation‑only) and a single‑owner, high‑impact R&D position: you will define the measurement approach, translate it into system requirements, design the optical chain, and drive early prototypes from lab validation toward field readiness.

You will be the technical authority for the optical measurement concept and have direct influence on product architecture.

You will join a multidisciplinary team that already covers soil science, embedded systems, calibration, and field deployment.

Define the measurement concept and system requirements (spectral range, spectral resolution, SNR, stability, calibration strategy, stray light).

Translate the measurement concept into system requirements for a battery‑powered field device (power budget, size/weight, thermal constraints, TRL targets, robustness, and deployment/maintenance).

Design the full optical chain: illumination/laser(s), soil interaction, photon collection, filtering/spectral separation, detector/readout.

Select key components and define interfaces/specs for embedded integration, coordinating with electronics/mechanics support as needed.

Hands‑on Prototyping

Build, align and debug optical setups and prototypes; diagnose noise, background, drift and stability issues.

Design for harsh real‑world conditions (dust, contamination, vibration, temperature) and field serviceability.

Create validation plans and test protocols (lab, controlled tests, field), with clear go/no‑go criteria.

Review relevant literature and existing handheld/portable instrumentation patterns to accelerate decisions and avoid dead ends.

Cross‑functional Leadership

Collaborate closely with embedded engineering on interfaces, control, data acquisition and calibration.

Produce clear documentation: architecture documents, trade‑off analyses, risk register, and a 12‑month roadmap.

Architecture document: measurement approach, spectral requirements, system block diagram, key component choices, key risks, and cost/size/power assumptions.

Experimental validation plan + list of required equipment/components.

Integration requirements/specs for embedded integration (interfaces, timing, control, data acquisition, calibration).

What we are lookng for:
Must‑have

7+ years  in  optical measurement systems or spectroscopic instrumentation , including responsibility for system‑level performance (e.g., SNR, stability, calibration, stray light, dynamic range).

Proven hands‑on experience: building, alignment, experimental debugging and measurement work (portable/handheld experience is a strong plus).

Solid understanding of spectroscopy/instrument optics (SNR, stray light, calibration, stability).

Ability to operate autonomously and provide lead‑level technical leadership with end‑to‑end ownership.

Understanding of product constraints for field systems (power, size/weight, thermal, robustness, TRL, and deployment/maintenance).

Education

Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.  Industry experience delivering working instruments is valued more than academic credentials.

Nice to have

Experience with NIR spectroscopy, LIBS/LIPS or related laser‑spectroscopic approaches.

Experience designing optical systems for harsh/dirty outdoor environments.

Candidates from adjacent industries (automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics) are welcome, provided they have strong hands‑on optical instrumentation experience.

Why Join?

Real‑world impact in agriculture, backed by field‑proven products deployed in 25+ countries.

A high‑ownership R&D role with the mandate to define the architecture and shape the next generation of sensing.

An Amsterdam‑based team scaling internationally and growing our R&D to bring new sensing capabilities from lab to field.

How to apply

Please share:

Your CV

1–2 examples of projects where you personally built and debugged an optical system (constraints, approach, outcomes)

#J-18808-Ljbffr