Lead Optical Systems Architect | Zemax, Precision Alignment

IC Resources; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation scheme

Life insurance

Job summary

IC Resources is seeking a Lead Optical Systems Engineer in Edinburgh to act as the architect for advanced optical hardware and processes within a deep-tech startup.

You will own system requirements, perform Zemax simulations, and lead alignment procedures while collaborating across optical, mechanical and electronic subsystems. A strong academic background and hands-on lab experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with optical systems, alignment and lab work.
• Understanding of beam propagation, imaging, polarisation and interferometry.
• Experience with multi-component optical systems.
• Systems-level understanding of optical, mechanical and electronic subsystems.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Degree/MSc/PhD in relevant discipline.
• Experience with Zemax.
• Exposure to quantum technologies or precision instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Act as the systems architect for complex optical assemblies, defining system requirements, power budgets and alignment tolerances.
• Design and develop alignment procedures for advanced optical systems.
• Build, align, test and troubleshoot complex optical experiments and assemblies.
• Model and simulate optical systems using Zemax.
• Develop and maintain system architecture documentation, alignment procedures and technical specifications.
• Support the optimisation, debugging and continuous improvement of optical systems throughout development.

Skills

Optical systems

Precision alignment

Zemax

Python scripting

SolidWorks

Systems engineering

Interferometry

Beam propagation

Education

PhD/ MSc in Optics/Photonics/Physics/EE

Tools

Zemax

SolidWorks

Job description

IC Resources is seeking a Lead Optical Systems Engineer in Edinburgh to act as the architect for advanced optical hardware and processes within a deep-tech startup.

You will own system requirements, perform Zemax simulations, and lead alignment procedures while collaborating across optical, mechanical and electronic subsystems. A strong academic background and hands-on lab experience are essential.