Development Engineer

Advanced Technical Recruitment; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Technical Recruitment is seeking a Development Engineer to join the R&D team, focusing on designing, testing, and developing advanced fiber-optic components and systems.

You will manage projects end-to-end, collaborate across design, purchasing, quality and manufacturing, and help transfer developments to pilot lines or production. A strong grounding in optics, photonics and precision assembly is essential.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of related commercial experience.
• Understanding of optical and fibre optics principles: alignment, coupling, polarization, optical/return loss.
• Hands-on lab experience with optical test equipment and familiarity with mechanical design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Manage development projects from start to end 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 docs in line with ISO standards.
• Conduct optical, mechanical, and environmental testing using standard equipment.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to optimize product performance and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Fiber optics

Mechanical design

Lab testing

Photonics

Education

BSc in Physics

MSc in Optics/Photonics

BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Interferometers

Optical power meters

Environmental test equipment

Job description

Now is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing developer of fiber optic components, where you will gain hands-on experience in optical technologies, precision mechanical design, and product development within a fast-growing high-tech environment.

We are seeking a highly motivated Development Engineer to join the R&D team focused on designing, testing, and development advanced fiber-optic components and systems.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• 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 optimize product performance, improve manufacturing processes, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Maintain lab equipment, ensure safe working practices, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Hands-on development and validation of fiber-optic based components and assemblies (e.g. connectors, harnesses, optical hermetic assemblies, electronics and packaging).

Experience and Qualifications:

We are looking for graduate from BSc/MS degree in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, who has 2-5 years of relevant commercial experience.

Through your work and studies, you should have an understanding of optical and fibre optics principles such as alignment, coupling, polarization, optical and return loss.

You should also have hands-on lab experience with optical test equipment and a familiarity with mechanical design concepts and precision assembly.

A basic understanding of electronics and system engineering is also required.

Additional Information:

Candidates MUST be eligible to work and live in the UK without ever requiring sponsorship. Copies of Passports and Visas will be requested for verification.

Salary / benefits:

Competitive salary in the region £35-38k depending on experience.

Job Term:

Permanent, Full Time, Onsite

Skills:

Fiber-Optic, Fibre, Fiber, Optics, Engineering, Photonics, Manufacturing, R&D, Lab.