Hardware Test Engineer

Optics11 is a fast-growing high-tech company based in Amsterdam, developing advanced fiber optic sensing systems for the most demanding environments. Our technology detects the earliest signs of failure in critical assets – from high-voltage energy infrastructure to subsea and defense applications – and gives our customers precise, real-time data they can act on.

Within our Underwater Security business we develop sensing technologies that help detect and monitor underwater threats. Our solutions include OptiBarrier, designed for immediate, over-the-horizon threat detection, and OptiArray, our low-power optical thin-line towed array for unmanned underwater vehicles and submarines.

Role Overview

As a Hardware Test Engineer at Optics11, you play a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of our fiber-optic sensing systems. You develop and execute hardware tests at board and sub-system level, identifying potential issues early and helping our engineers deliver robust, production-ready solutions.

Combining hands-on hardware engineering with test automation, you build test setups, analyze results, support prototype development, and help transfer testing processes from R&D to production.

You will be part of our Sensing Platform Team, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, production, and external partners.

What You'll Do

Hardware Testing & Automation

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for electronic boards, assemblies, and sub-systems.
• Design and maintain test setups, fixtures, and jigs for functional, electrical, and optical testing.
• Perform environmental, stability, and robustness testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, and EMC/ESD pre-compliance.
• Develop Python-based test automation for instrument control, data logging, and analysis.
• Document test procedures, results, and findings, ensuring clear traceability and reproducibility.

Prototyping & Production Support

• Support prototype assembly, soldering, rework, cable assembly, and fiber handling and splicing.
• Develop and improve production and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) setups, procedures, and test jigs.
• Support troubleshooting, repairs, and root-cause investigations during development and production.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and well-equipped R&D laboratory, including equipment calibration and materials management.

Technical Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze test results to evaluate hardware performance, identify risks, and support engineering decisions.
• Investigate hardware failures and collaborate with design engineers on corrective actions.
• Contribute to design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, automation, and product reliability.

Collaboration & Delivery

• Work closely with Electronics, Photonics, Embedded Software, Mechanical Engineering, IVVQ, and production teams.
• Support the handover of tested hardware and documentation to integration, validation, and production teams.
• Independently plan and execute assigned activities, communicating progress, risks, and dependencies.
• Share technical knowledge, contribute to design reviews, and support continuous improvement across the team.

What we offer

• Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing deep-tech scale-ups.
• Real impact: your work directly shapes our growth and success.
• A great team in an international organization with colleagues from more than twenty nationalities.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• 30 days of holiday per year.
• Fresh team lunches five times a week, plus regular team activities and company events.