Scientist Engineer – X-Ray Optics

As the Scientist Engineer – X-Ray Optics at cosine you will push the boundaries of X-ray and high-energy optics for some of the most challenging applications in space exploration, astrophysics and advanced measurement systems. You combine scientific curiosity with hands-on engineering, translating complex physics into innovative optical solutions that perform in real-world environments.
Working in multidisciplinary R&D teams, you will design, analyse, build and validate next-generation optical systems, collaborating closely with scientists, engineers and customers. Your work will contribute directly to cutting-edge technologies that help unlock new insights into our universe and enable ground-breaking scientific missions.
Tasks & responsibilities  In this role you will:
Design and develop innovative X-ray and high-energy optical systems for space, astrophysical and measurement applications
Perform analytical and numerical modelling, execute experiments, analyse measurement results and translate findings into tangible project outcomes
Build and operate experimental setups, document research activities and contribute to technical reports, publications and customer deliverables
Collaborate with project teams, customers and external experts, presenting results and identifying new technical opportunities
Take ownership of project activities, monitoring progress, managing deliverables and, depending on experience, contributing as a consultant and/or project manager

Your profile  We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
MSc or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optics or a related scientific discipline
At least 4 years of experience in X-ray optics, high-energy optics or a closely related field
Strong analytical and numerical modelling skills, combined with hands-on experimental laboratory experience
Experience designing, testing and validating complex optical or scientific instrumentation
Clear communicator who can translate technical complexity into concise reports, presentations and customer-facing discussions
A proactive, solution-oriented team player who enjoys working at the intersection of science, engineering and innovation
What we offer  At cosine, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:
A unique, international working environment at the intersection of physics and engineering
The opportunity to deliver end-to-end solutions in autonomous project teams, in close collaboration with customers
27 days of annual leave (based on full-time employment)
Annual bonus based on personal and company performance
Hybrid working options, including the possibility to work partially from home
Company bicycle and fitness plans
Initial one-year contract, with the aim of long-term collaboration
About cosine  Founded in 1998, cosine is a world-leading developer of space instrumentation and measurement systems, making the invisible measurable and the complex actionable.
Its expertise spans High-Energy Optics, including optics developed for ESA’s future New Athena X-ray observatory, as well as remote sensing solutions for Earth Observation and planetary science.
With over 25 years of experience and advanced cleanroom and assembly facilities across the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, cosine brings deep scientific and engineering expertise to some of the most demanding missions in space and on Earth.
What makes cosine a unique place to work is that your work goes end-to-end: from concept and design to building, testing, and delivering hardware that actually flies in space. You work in small, highly skilled teams where you have real ownership and impact, alongside experts in optics, physics, nanofabrication, and systems engineering.
cosine is committed to providing an inclusive and equal opportunities work environment where everyone can thrive. As a proud member of the Women in Aerospace community, we recognise the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace.

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