Optical Engineer

Helicon Quantum Systems Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Pension plan

28 days leave

On-site work Oxford

Job summary

Helicon Quantum Systems Ltd. seeks an Optical Engineer to design, develop and characterize optical systems in imaging technology.

You will work on optical architecture, experimental development, component selection and integration into complex instrumentation at our Oxford area site. The role combines strong optical design with hands-on build, testing and optimisation, requiring independence and collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering projects.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in optical engineering or related field.
• Experience in optical system design and architecture.
• Hands-on experience building and testing optical setups.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical imaging architectures and subsystems.
• Perform optical modelling, component selection and system-level design.
• Develop and integrate optical assemblies, imaging sensors and optoelectronic components.
• Build, align, commission and troubleshoot experimental optical systems.
• Characterise optical performance including resolution and stability.
• Develop calibration procedures and quantitative measurement methods.
• Collaborate with engineers from other disciplines on integration.
• Identify technical limitations and implement improvements.

Skills

Optical design

Photonic engineering

Experimental development

Independent working

Attention to detail

Imaging systems knowledge

Education

PhD in optics

MSc in related field

Tools

Optical modelling software

Job description

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to take responsibility for the design, development and characterisation of optical systems within our imaging technology.

The position involves optical architecture, experimental development, component selection, performance optimisation and integration into complex instrumentation.

We are looking for someone who combines strong optical design skills with the practical ability to build, test and improve sophisticated experimental systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical imaging architectures and subsystems.
• Perform optical modelling, component selection and system-level design.
• Develop and integrate optical assemblies, imaging sensors and optoelectronic components.
• Build, align, commission and troubleshoot experimental optical systems.
• Characterise optical performance, including resolution, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and stability.
• Develop calibration procedures and quantitative measurement methods.
• Collaborate with engineers from other disciplines on system integration and prototype development.
• Identify technical limitations and implement engineering improvements.

What We're Looking For

• Strong foundation in optical engineering, photonics, imaging science or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in optical system design and architecture.
• Hands-on experience building, aligning and troubleshooting complex optical setups.
• Experience with optical modelling and simulation tools.
• Knowledge of imaging systems, cameras, detectors and optoelectronic components.
• Experience with optical characterisation and quantitative performance evaluation.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Strong technical judgement, attention to detail and a systematic approach to solving problems.

Typically, candidates will have at least three years of relevant professional or research experience. Substantial experimental PhD or postdoctoral experience is also relevant.

We value engineering versatility, practical achievement and the ability to work beyond one's immediate specialisation.

Additional Experience

• Imaging and optical instrumentation.
• Fluorescence imaging or low-light detection.
• Laser systems and experimental photonics.
• Optical system automation and image processing.
• Python or other tools for experimental control and data analysis.
• Development and integration of complex hardware.

Experience in every area is not expected.

• Employment: Permanent, full-time.
• Working hours: 40 hours per week.
• Annual leave: 28 days plus England and Wales bank holidays.
• Pension: Employer contribution of 5% of gross annual salary.
• Location: Oxford area, UK.
• Working arrangements: Hybrid working is possible where compatible with project requirements. Regular on-site work will be necessary for experimental development, prototype integration and testing.
• Expected start date: January 2027.

Application deadline Thursday 12 November 2026

Expected interviews Week commencing 16 November 2026

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available.