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.