Lead Optical Engineer

ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions; Reading; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Global, inclusive culture

Extensive training and resources

Job summary

HID Global is seeking a Lead Optical Engineer in Reading to drive end-to-end optical design for biometric devices. You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software teams to ensure form, fit and function meet specifications.

The role requires senior expertise, hands-on prototyping, and mentoring of other engineers, with responsibility for production testing, tolerance analysis, and supplier liaison. International travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics/optical design or related discipline.
• Experience in a similar senior optical engineering role.
• Strong knowledge of geometrical optics and physics.
• Proficient with Zemax and macro language for tolerancing.
• Experience with CMOS/CCD sensors and semiconductor illumination.
• Hands-on experience designing, assembling, and testing optical breadboards and prototypes.
• Ability to liaise with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Design and testing of optical imaging systems for biometric identification systems.
• Analysis and specification of production tolerances.
• Communication with customers or suppliers about technical specifications on a global scale.
• Identification of COTS components, ordering, and sample testing.
• Providing technical and expert support and contributing to project planning.
• Collaboration with electrical, mechanical and software development teams (measurement methods development, programming, optical, electrical and mechanical design, sensor selection, illumination).
• Cooperation on product development as well as research projects.
• Cooperation/support for industrialization and manufacturing engineering when bringing design to production.
• Liaise with and supervise external suppliers on technical subjects (made to order parts or end product manufacturing).
• Prototype and test optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Optimization and troubleshooting of existing performance test, validation and production processes (including hands-on tuning).
• Help troubleshoot optical issues in the manufacturing process.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax

Geometrical optics

CMOS/CCD sensors

Leadership

Prototype testing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in optics

Tools

Zemax macro language

Optical breadboards & prototypes

Job description

Lead Optical Engineer

Job ID: 47502

Posted: 30-Sep-2026

The optical engineer role shall contribute to the product competence of HID’s EAT BIO business unit. Optical imaging and illumination systems are an integral part of a majority of our products and quality engineering is paramount for the business success of our new devices.

The engineer shall be responsible for end‑to‑end optical design and testing of new biometric devices, support updates and upgrades of existing products, and work closely with mechanical, electrical and software teams to ensure the design meets the product form, fit, and function specifications.

The position expects a senior specialist who can work independently and collaborate with other team members and direct subcontractors where deemed feasible.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and testing of optical imaging systems for biometric identification systems.
• Analysis and specification of production tolerances.
• Communication with customers or suppliers about technical specifications on a global scale.
• Identification of COTS components, ordering, and sample testing.
• Providing technical and expert support and contributing to project planning.
• Collaboration with electrical, mechanical and software development teams (measurement methods development, programming, optical, electrical and mechanical design, sensor selection, illumination).
• Cooperation on product development as well as research projects.
• Cooperation/support for industrialization and manufacturing engineering when bringing design to production.
• Liaise with and supervise external suppliers on technical subjects (made to order parts or end product manufacturing).
• Prototype and test optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Optimization and troubleshooting of existing performance test, validation and production processes (including hands‑on tuning).
• Help troubleshoot optical issues in the manufacturing process.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics/optical design or a relevant discipline (optics, mechanical engineering, precision mechanics).
• Past experience in a similar position.
• Knowledge of geometrical optics and physics.
• Knowledge of optical design software Zemax and its macro language for design and tolerancing work.
• Working experience with common optical sensors (CMOS, CCD, etc.).
• Experience with semiconductor illumination (LED, laser diodes).
• Hands‑on experience designing, assembling, and testing optical breadboards, brassboards and prototypes for optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Expert advisory to other team members, ability to liaise technical matters with other teams, customers and subcontractors.
• Ability to create clear and comprehensive technical reports.
• Communication and liaison with customers, external suppliers and subcontractors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the application of numerical methods (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, own scripting).
• Applied optics and optical measuring methods.
• Design of opto‑mechanical and opto‑electrical devices.
• Experience in strategic/governmental optical designs and systems sharing or distribution limitations.
• Knowledge of DFM and DFT principles for electro‑optical systems.
• Ability to lead other optical engineers and multidisciplinary tasks.

Work Requirements

• Compliance with all relevant HID Global policies and procedures related to Quality, Security, Safety, Business Continuity, and Environmental systems.
• Travel and fieldwork, including international travel may be required. Therefore, the employee must possess, or be able to acquire, a valid passport.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which you are hired.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and rewards package.
• Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work‑life balance.
• A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture.
• Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential.
• To be part of a global organization that pioneers the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worlds.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. If you have a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact [e-mail].