Systems Engineer / Architect for High-End Film Scanners (m/f/d)

Location: Darmstadt, Germany

At DFT, film is our passion and quality is our mission.

Leveraging state-of-the-art IT technologies, we make film digitization efficient and enable the highest standards of image preservation. As the global market leader, we design and manufacture cutting-edge film scanners and digital solutions in Darmstadt, Germany, serving the needs of film archives and post-production facilities worldwide.

Our esteemed clientele—including the German Federal Film Archive, the Library of Congress, Warner Brothers, NBC Universal, and FotoKem—trust us for the exceptional quality, performance, and reliability of our products and services. With additional teams in Burbank, USA, and London, UK, we ensure premium customer support around the globe.

Are you passionate about embedded systems, hardware-centric software development, innovative technology, and the world of film? If so, we invite you to become part of our dedicated team.

Your Role

As a Systems Engineer (f/m/d) , you are responsible for the holistic understanding, design, and continuous development of our advanced film-scanner systems. Working at the intersection of multiple technologies, you play a key role in shaping our products - from initial concept to realization with the team - driving technological advancement and ensuring long-term quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and implement system concepts and technological options for high-performance film scanners - from initial idea to series production
• Design system architectures considering mechatronics, sensor technology, optics and illumination, control engineering and real-time systems, high-performance camera systems, and workstation environments (Linux, Nvidia GPU)
• Create innovative solution approaches, including unconventional pathways, based on a deep understanding of application requirements and technical boundary conditions
• Maintain a strong focus on technical excellence, quality, and real-world applicability
• Long-term opportunity to grow into the role of a System Architect (f/m/d) with expanded technical responsibility and leadership of interdisciplinary teams
  

Your Qualifications

• University degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or equivalent qualifications
• Several years of professional experience in the development and commissioning of complex technical systems, ideally with expertise in optics, illumination, image processing, or precision mechanics
• Broad technological understanding and the ability to integrate different engineering disciplines and design their interactions
• Strong goal- and solution-oriented mindset with a focus on feasibility, quality, and technical excellence
• Hands-on mentality with experience collaborating closely with hardware and software development teams
• High degree of autonomy, reliability, and initiative
• Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration -especially with regards to growing into a System Architect role
• German Language, minimum C1 level, both written and spoken
• English language, minimum B2 level, both written and spoken

What We Offer

• Challenging and varied responsibilities in a highly specialized technical environment within a strategically oriented company. Direct impact on product decisions and technical solutions
• Thorough onboarding by experienced colleagues, followed by continuous personal and professional development
  Clear perspective to grow into a System Architect (f/m/d)
• A committed, skilled team with flat hierarchies
• Flexible working hours and an open, appreciative corporate culture
• A modern work environment with high-quality technical equipment

Ready to join us?

We look forward to receiving your comprehensive application, including:

• A cover letter detailing your salary expectations and earliest possible start date
• Detailed résumé
• Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates

Please submit your application as a single PDF file via email to: jobs@dft-film.com

Your contact: Jennifer Lehmann, Manager People & Culture