Instrumentation Engineer

At Swave Photonics, we’re not just dreaming about the future: we’re building it! We are a fabless semiconductor company that designs and markets holographic chips based on proprietary diffractive photonics technology. Our mission is to enable display manufacturers and content creators to disrupt the visualization market with immersive ultra-high resolution, life-like, true holographic displays.

Imagine a world where holographic displays make the impossible possible, where visualization meets collaboration and transforms productivity. Joining Swave means being at the forefront of this revolution, shaping the future of immersive technology.

To drive our ambitious vision, we’re opening a position of Instrumentation Engineer .

Role And Responsibilities

As an Instrumentation Engineer at Swave, you will be the bridge between theoretical physics and physical reality. You will play a vital role in the Systems team, designing and building the complex characterization and measurement setups that validate our holographic technology. Your work ensures that our proprietary chips are tested, measured, and showcased with the highest precision.

Core Responsibilities

• System Design & Assembly: Plan, design, and build electronic, optical, and opto-mechanical characterization setups and demo systems from the ground up.
• Software Integration: Develop and maintain software packages (Python, C/C++) to automate instrumentation, control hardware, and integrate modules into fully functional, high-performance systems.
• Lab Operations: Take an active lead in the day-to-day operation of Swave’s labs, including material and supply management and handling specialized orders for multiple electronic and optical labs.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with the Hardware and Algorithm teams to ensure characterization systems meet rigorous technical requirements and project milestones.
• External Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for subcontractors, ensuring outsourced components meet Swave's precision standards.

You will report to Richard Stahl, Director Systems. Location: This role is based in Leuven, Belgium (Hybrid).

What You Bring To The Table

• Strong Educational Foundation: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics.
• Instrumentation Expertise: Hands-on industrial experience with embedded systems, metrology, and instrumentation. Ideally, you have ~5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Coding Proficiency: A strong track record in developing software for hardware control using Python and C/C++.
• Optics Interest: A genuine passion for optics and its practical applications in next-generation display technology.
• Meticulous Execution: A structured, careful approach to handling delicate optical components and complex electronic tasks.

Bonus Points

• Experience with 3D CAD tools and rapid prototyping (3D printing, CNC, etc.).
• Familiarity with high-resolution imaging sensors or laser systems.
• Experience in a fabless semiconductor environment.

Soft Skills & Personality

• Adaptable & Resilient: You thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and can pivot quickly when technical requirements evolve.
• Collaborative Spirit: You are a true team player with excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable communicating with diverse technical stakeholders.
• Pragmatic Problem Solver: You are proactive in managing lab logistics and maintaining a highly organized workspace.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in Belgium on a full-time basis.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

About Swave Photonics

We are a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with a growing presence in the US. Backed by seasoned leaders and a team of passionate engineers, we’re pioneering holographic technology at the intersection of optics, semiconductors, and systems design.

At Swave, You’ll Find

• A culture built on authenticity, trust, and openness.
• A small but ambitious team with a bias for action.
• An environment where creativity and purpose drive everything we do.
• Space to take ownership, experiment, and see your ideas come to life.

What We Offer You

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 measurement you take helps bring a world-changing technology to market. 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.