Optical Engineer
Leuven
Engineering – Optics /
Full-time /
Hybrid
Help shape the future of holographic displays.
At Swave, we don’t just imagine what’s next — we build it. As a fabless semiconductor company, we design and market holographic chips based on our proprietary diffractive photonics technology. Our mission: empower display manufacturers and content creators to disrupt the visualization market with immersive, life-like holographic displays.
We’re now looking for an Optical Engineer who will take the lead in designing, assembling, and maintaining the demo and characterization setups that bring our groundbreaking technology to life.
Role Overview: Your impact as Optical Engineer
In this role, you’ll be the go-to person for all things optics and opto-mechanics, from concept to execution.
You will:
- Plan, design, and build electronic, optical, and opto-mechanical demo and characterization setups.
- Take ownership of optomechanical design, including rapid prototyping with 3D printing.
- Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure systems meet technical and project requirements.
- Define and enforce lab safety procedures, especially around laser and optical safety.
- You’ll combine hands-on engineering with strong safety awareness and a collaborative mindset, ensuring our labs and demo platforms operate at the highest level.
About Swave: Where vision becomes reality
Based in Leuven, Belgium, Swave is pioneering true holographic display technology. Imagine a world where visualization and collaboration merge seamlessly — where holograms transform productivity and creativity. That’s the world we’re building.
Our culture is dynamic, authentic, and fast-paced. We value creativity, responsibility, and open communication. At Swave, your ideas matter and your work has visible impact.
Requirements: What you bring
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a hands-on, innovation-driven environment:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Engineering.
- Preferably 3+ years of lab experience in an industrial setting.
- Comfortable designing, building, and maintaining optical systems.
- In-depth knowledge of day-to-day operations in an optics lab.
- Strong understanding of optical and laser safety, with the ability to implement and train others.
- Experience with Zemax or other optical design software (strong plus - not a must have).
- Hands-on prototyping skills (3D printing, machining, CAD).
- Adaptable, proactive, and eager to learn in a fast-changing environment.
- A collaborative, approachable team player with strong communication skills.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written).
World-Class Characteristics
Hands-on builder: You enjoy turning concepts into working demo setups.
Safety-first leader: You uphold and spread best practices in lab and laser safety.
Collaborator: You thrive in cross-disciplinary teamwork, bridging optics, electronics, and mechanics.
Problem-solver: You adapt quickly and find pragmatic solutions in a dynamic environment.
Innovator: You bring creativity and technical rigor to every setup you design.
What we offer
We believe the best work happens when people feel valued and inspired. That’s why we offer a competitive salary package tailored to your skills, expertise, and impact. At Swave, you’ll work at the cutting edge of optics and semiconductors, where every customer engagement drives adoption of technology that changes the world. We know life doesn’t fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule, so we put results before hours — with flexibility and remote options where it makes sense. Our headquarters in Leuven, a city alive with technology, culture, and creativity, provides the perfect backdrop for innovation and connection. Most importantly, you’ll be part of an informal and supportive team where authenticity matters. Here, you can bring your true self to work, share your ideas openly, and celebrate successes together.Location: This role is based in Belgium - Leuven
How to apply
Are you the optical engineer who will help Swave bring AR technology into a new era?
