Optoelectronic System Architect (Sonar Systems)

Currently, we are looking for a skilled Optoelectronic System Architect to guide the design and  development of our fiberoptic sensing solutions in underwater security domain. In this role, you will contribute to the full systems engineering lifecycle, from requirements analysis to system validation. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project team, ensuring system designs are aligned with customer requirements and industry best practices.

Optics11 is an Amsterdam-based high-tech startup on a mission to innovate underwater security and put Netherlands on the map of European sonar industry. Our novel fiberoptic technology is redefining underwater security, enabling advanced sonar solutions for safeguarding of key naval and underwater infrastructure. Our high-paced development has been met with an ever growing interest from the market. As we transition towards commercial deployments, we are seeking ambitious, mission-driven professionals to join us in shaping the next chapter of our growth and success. Optics11 recently closed a €17m investment round.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and own the system architecture of advanced fiberoptic sonar systems.

• Aid translation of complex customer needs and requirements into actionable system-level designs and subsystem requirements.

• Work closely with the development, systems engineering, and IVVQ teams to guide design optimization, implementation, traceability and verification.

• Lead architecture trade studies and direct technical decision-making across optical, processing, mechanical, and electronic domains.

• Guide the development of formal design documentation, including system breakdown structures, interface definitions, and requirement hierarchies.

• Assist definition and review test strategies and validation plans to ensure systems meet functional and operational requirements.

• Act as a key technical liaison for internal stakeholders, project managers, and external defence clients.

• Stay current with trends in fiberoptic sensing, sonar, and underwater acoustics to continuously refine system architecture roadmap.

What's in it for you? 

• Competitive salary . 

• The chance to shape a disruptive sonar system technology using novel photonics solution.

• An innovative, international work environment at the intersection of optics, acoustics, and defence.

• The opportunity to work alongside brilliant and driven engineers in a cross-disciplinary team.

Qualifications:

• Master's (or higher) degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of relevant work experience in architecting and/or developing complex opto-electronic systems, ideally in the defense or aerospace sector.

• Direct experience in fiberoptic sensing systems (interferometric, FBG-based), associated signal processing chain architectures, and opto-mechanical/electrical system design is a strong plus.

• Good grasp of systems engineering and ability to navigate between high-level design and detailed implementation.

• Excellent communication skills; ability to convey complex technical ideas to multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

• Proactive, independent thinker with a strong sense of ownership.

• Experience working in regulated or defense-related environments is a plus.

You'll be working with clients in the defense and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening.

More information:

So now you know we're doing awesome projects and if you see you fit the profile, we would like to get to know you. Apply and drop your details or, in case of questions, get in touch with our recruiter Dora Öveges via dora.oveges@optics11.com.