Development Engineer

Vibe Recruit; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibe Recruit is seeking a Development Engineer to join the R&D team at a specialist fibre optic equipment manufacturer. The role focuses on designing, testing, and developing advanced fiber-optic components and systems, offering hands-on experience in optical technologies, precision mechanical design, and product development.

You will manage projects from concept to pilot line, transfer processes to manufacturing, generate technical documentation, and perform optical and environmental testing

Qualifications

• BSc/MS in Physics, Optics/Photonics or Mechanical Engineering.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of optics and fibre optics concepts.

Responsibilities

• Manage development projects from start to finish with cross-functional teams.
• Develop new products and transfer to pilot line or manufacturing.
• Generate documentation and test reports per ISO standards.
• Conduct optical, mechanical and environmental testing with standard equipment.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to optimise performance and processes.
• Hands-on development and validation of fibre-optic components and assemblies.

Skills

Optics/Photonics

Mechanical design

Lab experience

Data analysis

Teamwork

Technical reporting

Education

BSc/MS Physics/Optics/Photonic or Mechanical Eng

Tools

Interferometers

Optical power meters

Pressure testers

Job description

Development Engineer (Fiber Optic Components)

The Role

A great opportunity now exists for a highly motivated Development Engineer, to join the R&D team, of a specialist fibre optic equipment manufacturer.

The focus will be on designing, testing, and development advanced fiber-optic components and systems. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer to gain hands-on experience in optical technologies, precision mechanical design, and product development within a fast-growing high-tech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage development/engineering projects from beginning to end while collaborating with design, purchasing, development, quality and manufacturing teams.
• Develop new products and processes and transfer from development to pilot line or manufacturing.
• Generate technical documentation, test reports, and process documentation in line with internal quality and ISO standards.
• Conduct optical, mechanical, and environmental testing using industry-standard equipment (e.g., interferometers, optical power meters, pressure testers).
• Collaborate with senior engineers to optimise product performance, improve manufacturing processes, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Hands-on development and validation of fiber-optic based components and assemblies.

Qualifications – Skills & Experience

• BSc/MS degree in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Understanding of optical and fibre optics principles.
• Hands-on lab experience with optical test equipment.
• Familiarity with mechanical design concepts and precision assembly.
• Basic understanding of electronics and system engineering.
• Ability to analyse experimental data and present clear conclusions.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Experience with report and technical documentation writing.

The Opportunity

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge optical technologies and a skilled and happy engineering team.

Opportunity to fast grow within growing organisation while having fun.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.