Senior Optronics Engineer

About HEADBORNE.AI

Safe, mission-based AI solutions for first responders and defense.

HEADBORNE's long-term mission is to defend free democracies of the world with ethical, interoperable, mission-based safe AI solutions for first responders, defense forces, and decision makers. We build a secure, AI-driven Cloud/OS platform integrated in the next generations of AR smart glasses, helmets, drones, robots, and training systems. We seamlessly connect them across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace, delivering complete situational awareness, control, and command.

About the Role

HEADBORNE seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Imaging team. You will develop novel visible-to-infrared optical systems from concept through production—contributing to architecture decisions, defining performance requirements under multidisciplinary constraints, and designing and tolerancing systems for ground and airborne applications. You'll lead lab testing, data analysis, and support the transition from R&D to production, including root-cause evaluation of prototype and manufacturing issues. Working closely with hardware and systems engineers, you'll deliver high-performance optical systems that operate reliably in real-world conditions. We're looking for a brilliant, motivated engineer to join TEAM HEADBORNE—delivering mission-based, safe AI solutions that matter.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize visible-to-infrared optical systems for AR helmets, drones, and robotics.

• Define optical performance requirements and conduct system-level architecture trades.

• Lead STOP (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance) analyses for ruggedized, field-ready optics.

• Develop and execute test plans to validate prototypes and production hardware.

• Analyze performance data and investigate root causes of optical system issues.

• Collaborate with hardware, mechanical, and embedded teams to integrate optical designs end-to-end.

• Support the transition from R&D to production with documentation, tolerancing, and validation.

• Contribute to codebase quality, model reproducibility, and CI/CD workflows for ML pipelines.

• Explore new optical technologies that enhance mission capabilities across air and land.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Optics.

• 3+ years designing and testing complex opto-mechanical systems in production or R&D environments.

• Expertise in optical design and analysis software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or equivalent).

• Experience conducting STOP (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance) analyses.

• Strong understanding of image quality metrics and performance evaluation methods.

• Experience designing diffraction-limited imaging systems for dynamic, mission-critical use.

• Proficiency in both English and German.

• Able to work extended hours as required.

• Right to work in Germany, without sponsorship.

• Eligibility for German security clearances.

• Self-motivated, organized, and collaborative.

Preferred Qualifications

• First-principles approach to solving complex opto-mechanical challenges.

• Hands-on experience with optical component testing (spectral transmission, interferometry, etc.) and system-level testing (EE, MTF, PSF, etc.).

• Experience in integration, verification, and validation of optical systems across the full lifecycle.

• Background mentoring junior engineers or leading technical project teams.

• Knowledge of optical materials and fabrication limits (e.g., molded, polished, diamond-turned optics, microstructures).

Location

This in-person role is based in Jena, Germany. Candidates are expected to be located near Jena or open to relocation.

What We Offer

• Defend free democracies through mission-based, safe AI solutions
• Closely collaborate with a small, international team of world-leading experts on cutting-edge AI-driven AR systems
• Earn a competitive salary 
• Receive highly competitive stock options