Physics Engineer

Freelance Operations Physics Engineer - Advanced Microscopy Systems

Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Contract: Freelance / Independent Contractor
Duration: 12 months, with strong potential to convert to a permanent role

About the Role

We are seeking a Freelance Operations Physics Engineer to join a highly skilled operations engineering team working on next‑generation, high‑resolution scientific microscopy systems.

You will work on a high‑end, modular scientific platform composed of multiple sophisticated subsystems, each enabling different advanced imaging and analytical applications. This role focuses on supporting the introduction, sustainability, and continuous improvement of one of these advanced modules within manufacturing.

The position sits at a pivotal point in the organisation, combining deep physics knowledge with hands‑on engineering in a dynamic production environment. You will collaborate extensively with R&D, Manufacturing, Service, Product Lifecycle Management, Quality, Logistics, Sourcing, and Supply Chain partners, as well as external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering support to the factory to enable timely shipment of high‑quality systems
• Support factory and field service engineers during first builds, installations, and upgrades of newly introduced systems and modules
• Analyse and solve complex technical problems to ensure system specifications and performance requirements are met
• Support and potentially lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and cross‑functional operational improvement projects
• Create, maintain, and continuously improve work instructions and factory process flows
• Perform hands‑on assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and training of personnel when required
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve technical and quality issues and support the introduction of new parts and modules into manufacturing
• Submit and implement engineering changes to improve quality, manufacturability, and cost of components and modules

Required Background & Experience

• Proven experience in engineering within a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong background in Physics or applied engineering; experience with advanced imaging, detection, or microscopy technologies is a strong advantage
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a high‑tech, fast‑moving manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting or leading technical projects, including New Product Introduction
• Ability to create clear technical documentation, work instructions, and engineering reports
• Comfortable working with complex systems consisting of multiple modules and applications
• Experience in high‑tech industries and working in a cleanroom environment
• Knowledge of statistical engineering or data‑driven problem‑solving is a plus

Education

• Degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field
  (PhD preferred; Bachelor's or Master's with relevant industrial experience also considered)

Skills & Attributes

• Hands‑on, pragmatic problem‑solver with strong analytical skills
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally with engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers
• Able to handle changing priorities and operational dynamics
• Strong communication skills in English (Dutch is a plus)
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset