Optical Systems Engineer – cropr

Are you the one to build our laser module for precision agriculture?At cropr, we’re looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to take ownership of the high-power laser module that forms the heart of our autonomous weeding robot. This laser is what makes cropr unique: it selectively destroys weeds without using pesticides.

You’ll further develop the current concept design, evaluate make-or-buy decisions, and bring together performance, cost, and manufacturability into a robust optical solution. Experience with laser systems and optics is essential – you’ll be working on a high-power laser that must perform reliably in rough agricultural environments.

What`s in it for you?

• A competitive salary (based on your knowledge, skills, and experience)

• 25 vacation days per year (based on a full-time contract), with the option to buy additional days

• A key role in the development of a unique, laser-based agricultural robot

• Lots of autonomy, responsibility, and technical challenge within an ambitious scale-up

• Collaboration with experts in robotics, mechanical engineering, and embedded software

You

• Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in optics, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field

• Have at least 3 years of experience working with laser systems, optical modules, and components

• Can design and critically assess technical solutions for performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness

• Understand the full development lifecycle – from concept and prototyping to scalable product

• Have experience in supplier selection, make-or-buy analysis, and cost optimization

• Are comfortable switching between technical deep-dives and high-level system thinking, both internally and with external partners

What you’ll be working on

As Optical Systems Engineer, you’ll lead the development of the laser system within cropr – our autonomous robot that eliminates weeds using high-power laser technology. You’ll refine the existing concept design, explore alternative solutions, and make strategic decisions on in-house versus outsourced development.

You’ll be technically responsible for the system’s performance, safety, integration, and scalability. You’ll run tests, analyze results, and translate findings into design improvements. Working closely with other engineers, you’ll help build a robust, affordable, and field-ready product.

Your responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and optimize the high-power laser module and related optics

• Assess and justify make-or-buy decisions, balancing cost, safety, and scalability

• Collaborate with external suppliers and experts on component selection and manufacturing

• Test and validate prototypes, including documentation and performance reporting

• Align with software, electronics, and mechanical teams for seamless system integration

• Ensure the safety, reliability, and reproducibility of the final optical system

About cropr

At cropr, we’re building an autonomous agricultural robot that selectively removes weeds – without using herbicides. Following the success of our tulip robot (developed under H2L Robotics), cropr is our next step toward sustainable farming. The project is currently in the development phase, with strong interest from the market. You’ll have the chance to help shape a robot that truly makes a difference.