Senior Optical Engineer

Overview

An innovative technology company developing advanced photonic and precision engineering solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to join its growing engineering team.

This role offers the opportunity to design, develop and integrate sophisticated optical systems for highly advanced scientific and engineering applications. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with physicists and engineers across multiple disciplines to transform research concepts into robust, production-ready optical solutions.

The position combines hands-on laboratory work with optical design, simulation and system integration, making it ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced optical systems from concept through design, integration, testing and validation.
• Design free-space and fibre-optic systems, including laser distribution, beam delivery and imaging solutions.
• Perform optical modelling, optimisation and tolerance analysis using industry-standard simulation software.
• Assemble and precisely align optical components and complex laser systems.
• Develop structured verification plans and carry out performance testing using laboratory instrumentation.
• Produce technical documentation and communicate design decisions to project stakeholders.
• Lead technical design reviews and support continuous improvement activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative products.

Essential Requirements

• Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years' industrial experience in optical engineering.
• Strong understanding of free-space optics and fibre-optic system design.
• Experience designing and integrating complex optical assemblies.
• Hands-on experience aligning precision optical and laser systems.
• Excellent understanding of beam quality, aberration control and optical tolerancing.
• Experience using optical simulation software such as Zemax or equivalent.
• Familiarity with laboratory optical measurement equipment, including beam profilers, optical spectrum analysers, wavefront sensors, photodiodes and related instrumentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Laser beam delivery and modulation.
• Imaging system design and camera selection.
• Beam stability relating to power, pointing, polarisation and phase.
• Photonic integrated circuits, micro-optics or advanced optical components.
• Mechanical integration and optical mounting tolerances.
• 3D CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks).
• Working within highly collaborative research and development environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Generous pension contribution
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Cycle-to-work and technology purchase schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Opportunity to work on next-generation optical and photonic technologies

Working Environment

The role is primarily laboratory and office based, involving hands-on optical assembly, testing and characterisation alongside computer-based design and analysis. Occasional lifting of laboratory equipment and optical hardware may be required.