Abstract—In this contribution we present a design environment for the optimization of layered absorbers. The manufacturer has a wide set of materials with known properties available. The thickness of these materials can vary within given limits. For a given number of layers and given absorption requirements as a function of angle of incidence, polarization and frequency we try to optimize for the thicknesses of the layers and for the best possible choice of available material types. The optimization for the layer thicknesses is done using a simulated annealing technique and for selecting materials usually the whole discrete design space is sampled. The paper is illustrated with two realizations comprising comparisons between simulations and measurements.