Graduate Optical Engineer: 18-Month Photonics Program

Leonardo; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to recharge - up to 12 flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer

Mental health support

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Flexible benefits up to £500

Job summary

Leonardo is recruiting a Graduate Optical Engineer in Edinburgh to tackle real-world optical challenges within a structured 18‑month development programme. You will work on design, analysis, and testing across product life cycles under experienced engineers.

The role focuses on learning state‑of‑the‑art tools, developing manufacturing knowledge, and contributing to advanced targeting systems. A 2:1 master’s with photonics experience and strong teamwork is expected.

Qualifications

• 2:1 master’s degree or higher (EngD/PhD).
• Experience in photonics via placements, internships or projects.
• Experience with technical writing and project planning.
• Strong analytical, modelling and laboratory skills.

Responsibilities

• Progress through the 18‑month Graduate Development Scheme across three life cycle phases.
• Develop and validate optical designs and support manufacturing transfers.
• Create and change drawings, tolerances and experiments to prove capability.
• Conduct optical tests and participate in technical reviews to lower risk.

Skills

Photonics

Technical writing

Project planning

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Modelling

Communication

Education

2:1 Master’s degree or EngD/PhD

Tools

Ansys Zemax Optics Studio

Matlab

LabVIEW

COMSOL

Job description

Leonardo is recruiting a Graduate Optical Engineer in Edinburgh to tackle real-world optical challenges within a structured 18‑month development programme. You will work on design, analysis, and testing across product life cycles under experienced engineers.

The role focuses on learning state‑of‑the‑art tools, developing manufacturing knowledge, and contributing to advanced targeting systems. A 2:1 master’s with photonics experience and strong teamwork is expected.