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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Opto-Mechanical Engineer - Technical Project Manager

Mission

The work place is at the Laboratory of Astrophysics (LASTRO), on EPFL campus in Lausanne, within the Astrobots Group a highly innovative multi-disciplinary and stimulating team.

Main duties and responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities are to develop the opto-mechanical aspects of robotic positioners used in optical/near-infrared ground-based telescopes, as well as to manage major astronomical instruments projects. EPFL is involved in the design, procurement, assembly and testing of systems including fiber positioning units, mirror/lens systems or a combination of both.  In particular, EPFL Astrobots Group is involved in future projects using miniaturized robots for massive multi-fibers spectroscopy  Stage-5 projects (for example MUST, Spec-S5, WST), to the novel focal plane system for the MOSAIC instrument for the ELT, and to Folding Mirrors of BlueMUSE for the VLT. 

The candidate will mainly be involved in optical alignment (free-space) and testing of optical robotic positioners (fiber-coupled and free-space). 

 

The principal roles of the Opto-Mechanical Engineer are:

  • Develop the opto-mechanical assemblies for the optical testing of robotic positioners for astronomy (hardware and software);

  • Measure, characterize and calibrate the optical performance of the micro-robots on the test benches (for example optical fibers and mirrors characterization);

  • Collaborate with industrial and academic partners (10% travel).

Profile

The ideal candidate should hold an HES or EPF degree in Optical Engineering with already a few years of experience or equivalent.

 

  • Hands-on experience on optical components (ex. optical fibers, mirrors);

  • Good knowledge of optical software (ex. Zemax);

  • Good knowledge of Python and Matlab;

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;

  • Proven creative and open-minded to seek out solutions and alternatives;

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to details;

  • Good to have: Knowledge of project management softwares (ex. MS Project);

  • Good verbal and written English communication skills.

We offer

  • A multicultural and high-quality academic environment;

  • A good team spirit in a dynamic research group;

  • Excellent working conditions;

  • Involvement in unique projects.

Informations

Contract Start Date : 01.04.2026

Activity Rate  : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year (renewable) 

Reference: 2060 










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