Development Engineer

Vibe Recruit; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibe Recruit is seeking a Development Engineer (Fiber Optic Components) 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 and precision mechanical design within a fast-growing high-tech environment.

The position involves managing development projects, transferring designs to pilot lines, and producing technical

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Physics/Optics/Photonics, Mechanical Eng or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant hands-on experience in optics or fibre optics.
• Strong understanding of optical and fibre optics principles.
• Lab experience with optical test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage development projects from start to finish with cross-functional teams.
• Develop new products and processes; transfer to pilot line/manufacturing.
• Create technical documentation, reports and process documentation to ISO standards.
• Conduct optical, mechanical and environmental tests using standard equipment.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to optimise performance and manufacturing.
• Hands-on development and validation of fibre-optic components and assemblies.

Skills

2+ years exp

Optics knowledge

Lab experience

Mechanical design

Electronics basics

Data analysis

Communication

Documentation

Education

BSc/MS in Physics/Optics/Photonics or ME

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.