Test Engineer – Laser-Induced Dazzling & Damage Testing for Space Image Sensors

We are seeking a Test Engineer to lead the design, execution, and standardization of laser-induced dazzling and laser-induced damage testing of image sensors for space applications. The role covers experimental setup development, test execution, and delivery of standard-like guidelines for future space detector testing.

This position requires strong hands-on experimental capability, technical autonomy, and disciplined documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Design, integrate, and validate a laser-induced dazzling and damage test setup (CW and pulsed).

Apply laser safety and sensor damage / dazzling literature (e.g. Ritt et al.,

Sensors , 2019) to define setup requirements and limits.

Build and operate the setup using commercial image sensors.

Select and integrate cameras and sensors supporting deterministic laser–camera synchronization.

Integrate laser source, beam delivery optics, attenuation, alignment, and safety measures.

Develop software for experiment control, synchronization, and data acquisition.

Execute test scenarios (power, wavelength, angle, timing, CW vs pulsed).

Extract and analyze dazzling and damage metrics (e.g. saturation, blooming, persistence, permanent degradation).

Define formal test plans and procedures for laser-induced dazzling and laser-induced damage testing.

Execute destructive and non-destructive test campaigns.

Author project deliverables.

Produce clear, auditable, and reproducible documentation.

Required Qualifications

MSc / PhD in EE / Physics / Optoelectronics or related field; 5+ years in image sensor test & validation.

Hands-on experience with laser-based experimental setups.

Experience with imaging sensors (CMOS / CCD), camera systems and interfaces (MIPI / LVDS / Camera Link), FPGA / MCU timing.

Experimental software development skills (Python and LabView).

Strong ability to write structured test plans, procedures, and technical reports.

Practical knowledge of laser safety and laboratory best practices.

Desirable Experience

Laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) or sensor dazzling studies.

Familiarity with sensor saturation, blooming, persistence, PRNU effects.

Bring-up and troubleshooting with scopes, logic analyzers, SMUs, precision supplies.

Exposure to ECSS or space-qualification standards.

Prior ownership of externally reviewed technical deliverables.

Personal Attributes

High level of autonomy and ownership.

Structured and methodical working style.

Strong communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.

Safety- and risk-aware mindset.

This role is ideal for an experimental engineer or physicist who enjoys building real setups, running meaningful tests, and turning results into robust, reusable guidelines for space applications.

What we offer you

Our flexible working hours scheme and comprehensive holidays package help you to better balance your work and personal life besides home office option two days per week.

We actively support our employees in their personal and professional advancement with a wide range of internal seminars and our management development.

You can also look forward to a number of attractive benefits such as life insurance, a flexible payment plan (providing fiscal advantages in private health insurance), sports club, etc., to mention just a few.

Work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment being in contact with cutting-edge technologies.

Interaction with our research areas.

Fixed salary.

24 working days of vacation per year plus Birthday, Easter, Christmas Eve and New Year Eve.

Reduced working schedule in Summer and Christmas

Location : Tres Cantos, Madrid