Principal Engineer (m/w/d) – Ophthalmic Lasers & Optical Systems

About This Opportunity

At Alcon, we're driven by meaningful work that helps people see brilliantly. As the world's leading company in eye care, we're committed to innovation and progress, moving quickly to advance our field. You'll be recognized for your engagement and accomplishments, with real opportunities to advance your career in ways you haven't experienced before. Together, we go beyond ourselves to improve the lives of our patients and customers, fostering an inclusive culture that welcomes diverse, talented people.

Wave. Light Gmb. H, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcon since 2009, is globally recognized as a leader in developing and producing innovative laser systems for ophthalmic surgery. Our laser and diagnostic systems enable exceptionally gentle yet highly precise correction of refractive errors. We're strengthening our team in ophthalmic laser systems and seeking a Principal Engineer (m/w/d) – Ophthalmic Lasers & Optical Systems to join our R&D department in Erlangen at the earliest opportunity.

The Role

This position encompasses strategic and technical leadership of laser and optical technologies, with responsibility for system performance, technology roadmaps, and critical design decisions. Your typical day will involve a diverse range of technical leadership activities:

• You'll define and further develop laser and optical architectures—including femtosecond and excimer lasers—while evaluating system architecture and interfaces.
• You'll conduct optical design and optimization using Zemax, including beam shaping and tolerance analysis.
• Simulation and modeling of complex physical systems forms a core part of your work, along with performance and reliability analysis at both system and subsystem levels.
• Technical leadership in design reviews and critical development decisions will be central to your contribution.
• You'll participate in prototype development and testing, working closely with internal and external development partners.
• Coaching and mentoring of expert teams and project groups is expected, along with cross-functional coordination across R&D, Quality & Regulatory, and external suppliers.

What You Bring

• You hold a completed Master's degree in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a comparable engineering field, with a doctoral degree being advantageous.
• Your expertise in laser and optical system development is thorough and well-founded, with deep knowledge of Zemax (Optic. Studio).
• You possess very strong programming skills in C/C++.
• Your command of both German and English is excellent, enabling you to communicate effectively across our international organization.
• Experience in medical technology or regulated development environments is valuable.
• Your analytical and strategic thinking is pronounced, supported by strong communication and leadership competencies.
• You demonstrate high personal responsibility and decisive judgment in complex situations.

Why Join Us

You'll engage with exciting and diverse tasks within an innovative, high-tech medical technology environment. Our internationally oriented, growing company offers long-term perspective and stability. We provide a competitive compensation package including attractive additional benefits, individual further education and development opportunities, and an open, collegial corporate culture with interdisciplinary collaboration.

Shape your future with us and become an important part of our team, driving the future of medical device development forward.