Quantum Optical Engineer

Quantum technology is one of the most promising and rapidly emerging technologies of our time. Within TNO’s Quantum Technology department, research focuses on three key areas: quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing. You contribute to projects carried out both directly for customers and in close collaboration with partners within the Dutch and European quantum ecosystem. At TNO, we turn leading scientific knowledge into new technological solutions and applications.

We design and build systems that make use of quantum properties and bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications through test setups, demonstrators and product development.

As a Quantum Optical Engineer, you work within our Quantum Communications team on experimental systems for quantum communication, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). You combine your knowledge of quantum optics with practical engineering. You build, test and improve optical setups that allow us to investigate how quantum communication can work in practice.

TNO’s Quantum Communications team combines expertise in quantum optics, free-space optics, quantum software engineering and electronics. These disciplines come together in the demonstrator experiments you will work on. Your work is highly experimental. You design, build and test quantum optical setups and ensure that different optical and technical components function together as an integrated system. You conduct experiments, analyse the results and use theoretical knowledge and simulations to understand what is happening and how a setup can be improved.

You will work on experiments involving quantum communication and QKD. This work takes place in the laboratory, but may also involve experiments outside the controlled lab environment. This allows you to investigate not only whether a principle works in theory, but also how the technology performs in practical settings. You do this together with experts from different disciplines, while also taking independent responsibility for your own experiments.

You contribute your own expertise and ideas, are confident in challenging technical choices and help your colleagues arrive at a system that works effectively as a whole.

We are looking for an engineer or physicist who is excited by complex optical experiments and enjoys building, testing and improving them hands-on.

• Practical experience with experiments in the field of quantum optics.
• The drive to lead and carry out experiments in the laboratory.
• An interest in the theoretical aspects of quantum optics and quantum communication.
• Experience with scientific programming and software-based simulation of experimental effects.
• The ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical experimental solutions.
• Independence and ownership in designing, conducting and improving experiments.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute your own technical perspective within a team of specialists.

An engineer or physicist who enjoys hands-on experimental work and can also underpin that work with a strong theoretical understanding.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career.

• We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3500,- and € 5500,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180).
• All opportunities to develop yourself.
• Choice for career path: commerce or consultancy, project management, sustainable innovations, technical expert.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits…