Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in optical technology is seeking a Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer in Crawley. The role involves managing R&D projects, engaging with technical stakeholders, and contributing to strategic business development. Successful candidates will demonstrate significant expertise in optical systems and a passion for innovation.

Benefits

Hybrid working (3 days on site, 2 days WFH)

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Regular socials and fun 'away-days'

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Use of company pool e-bike for commuting/leisure

Qualifications

• Significant understanding of lasers and optical systems, ideally free space optical.
• Experience in leading R&D projects including resource, budgets, and timeline management.
• Knowledge in optical design and/or fibre optics is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects, assess feasibility, and propose statements of work.
• Present project results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Line manage team members and contribute to business development activities.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Detail Orientation

Flexibility

Business Development Insight

Job description

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Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer, crawley, west sussex

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Client:

LumOptica

Location:

crawley, west sussex, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

07.06.2025

Expiry Date:

22.07.2025

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Job Description:

About LumOptica

LumOptica is a growing laser and optical technology company. We work with some of the largest technology companies in the world and the UK MOD as well as running exciting in-house innovation projects. We firmly believe light can and will be used to make the world a safer and better place and we’re looking for people to join us on our mission.

The Role

Using your significant breadth of understanding of general optical and laser principles you will take a lead in planning and running R&D projects, fielding technical enquiries, assessing their feasibility and proposing statements of work in response. You will also present project results to stakeholders which includes both technical and non-technical audiences.

As Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer you will report directly to the CEO and in addition to the technical requirements of this role, you will also have the opportunity to line manage other team members and/or to contribute to business development activities.

Experience

• Significant breadth of understanding of lasers and optical systems, ideally free space optical and high power
• Interpreting detailed technical information to convey to both technical and non-technical colleagues and stakeholders
• Leading R&D projects including resource, budgets and timeline management
• Peer-reviewing for company deliverables to ensure quality in reports and presentations
• Experience in optical design and/or an understanding of fibre optics is also highly desirable although not essential

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent analytical skills with an eye for detail and accuracy
• Flexibility to contribute beyond your own core role to ensure the success of the team
• Professional but thoughtful communication style and strong rapport building skills
• The drive to learn new technologies and develop new skills
• An understanding of how to identify business development opportunities and assess the likelihood of successfully securing these opportunities
• The desire to share your experience and skills with less experienced members of the team in order to aid their development

How we Work

Transparency is integral to the way in which we communicate both internally and externally and this is evident in the way we manage our quarterly business reviews to the entire team and our monthly 121 and annual/mid-year progress reviews.

Thoughtfulness is important in building strong relationships with our team, customers and partners and this means that we look out for each other and treat each other with kindness and respect.

We highly value integrity, and we strive to always do the right thing and to deliver what we say we will so that our clients and partners know they can rely on us. One of the ways that we ensure excellence is to invest in our people to ensure that they have the training and development that they need. In recognition of excellence, we offer a competitive salary and benefit package which includes a discretionary annual bonus. We are committed to continuing professional development and provide support in obtaining chartered status and the opportunity to attend and present at conferences.

We also offer the following benefits as part of the offer:

• Hybrid working (3 days on site, 2 days WFH)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Regular socials and fun “away-days”
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• Use of company pool e-bike for commuting/leisure