City:  Jena
Date:  Oct 1, 2025

Precision Optic Technician for Surface Technologies

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts applied research in the field of photonics and develops innovative optical systems to control light - from its generation and manipulation to its application. The services offered by the institute cover the entire photonic process chain ranging from opto-mechanical and opto-electronical system design to the manufacturing of customer-specific solutions and prototypes.

 

The department "Precision Optical Components and Systems" develops and implements opto-mechanical systems for applications in astronomy, space, and lithography.

 

We are looking for a technician in the field of precision optics for our team to perform polishing and correction processes on optical components made of glass and metal.

 

What you will do

  • Performing polishing processes for processing reflective optics made of glass and metal for applications in instrumentation for space, astronomy, and lithography
  • Performing correction processes using tactile (MRF) and beam-based techniques ( IBF) on glass and metal optics
  • Test programs and establishment of correction and polishing processes on aspheric and free-form optical surface geometries
  • Application of optical and tactile surface measurement techniques
  • Determination, evaluation, and documentation of work results

 

What you bring to the table

  • Completed qualification as a technician in the field of precision optics or similar, preferably with additional qualification as an state-certified technician or similar
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in the fields of optics and precision manufacturing, including chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), ion beam figuring (IBF), and/or magneto-rheological finishing (MRF)
  • Proficient user of all MS Office applications
  • Class B driver's license is desirable
  • Good written and spoken German and English
  • Independent, reliable, structured, and methodical approach to work

 

What you can expect

  • Collaboration in cutting-edge research with a wide variety of pioneering flagship projects
  • Modern workplaces and state-of-the-art laboratories
  • Thorough training for independent work
  • A family-friendly work culture with flexible working locations and hours, and collaboration in a collegial team
  • Support services to help you balance family and career: parent-child office, daycare center, life coaching, etc.
  • Targeted training and development of professional and personal strengths through the Fraunhofer training program
  • Additional benefits such as company pension plan, capital-forming benefits, subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket
  • Good public transportation connections

 

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The position is initially limited to 2 years. We are looking for long-term cooperation. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components. 

 

Ready for a change? Then apply online now and make a difference. Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know how to proceed.

 

Do you have questions about the position, the application process, or accessibility? Do you need assistance? Our colleague Nadine Wenzel, telephone +49 3641 807 544, is here to help.

 

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

 

Our tasks are varied and adaptable—for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that optimally promote their abilities. The same applies if you do not meet all profile requirements due to a disability.

 

You can find out more about the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF at: www.iof.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 81531                

 


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