Optical Engineer - Waveguide Design

Anonymous; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Collaborative environment

Cutting‑edge optics projects

Job summary

Anonymous in Cambridge is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in waveguide design to contribute to next‑gen display and imaging technologies. You will apply hands‑on modeling, simulation, and validation from concept through production.

The role requires at least 1 year of industrial experience in geometric waveguide design, strong optics fundamentals, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. A proactive communicator, you’ll help translate designs into manufacturable components.

Qualifications

• Degree in optics or related field.
• 1+ year industrial experience in geometric waveguide design and simulation.
• Experience with optical simulation tools (Zemax/Code V/LightTools/ASAP).
• Solid understanding of geometric optics and waveguide theory.
• Experience in optical system design and validation; multidisciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimise geometric waveguides for optical systems and display technologies.
• Develop and validate optical models using industry‑standard simulation tools.
• Perform optical performance analysis, tolerance studies, and system optimisation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronic, and software engineering teams.
• Support prototyping, testing, and characterisation of optical components.
• Contribute to design documentation and technical reports.
• Assist in transitioning designs from R&D to manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical performance issues.

Skills

Waveguide design

Optical simulation

Geometric optics

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Optics/Physics/Photoinics/EE

Tools

Zemax

Code V

LightTools

ASAP

Job description

Optical Engineer - Waveguide Design

Cambridge

Permanent / Full-Time

Overview

We are working with an innovative technology company seeking an experienced Optical Engineer with strong hands‑on expertise in the simulation and design of geometric waveguides. This role will focus on developing advanced optical systems for next‑generation display and imaging technologies.

The successful candidate will bring at least one year of industrial experience in waveguide design and will play a key role in product development from concept through to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimise geometric waveguides for optical systems and display technologies
• Develop and validate optical models using industry‑standard simulation tools
• Perform optical performance analysis, tolerance studies, and system optimisation
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronic, and software engineering teams
• Support prototyping, testing, and characterisation of optical components
• Contribute to design documentation and technical reports
• Assist in transitioning designs from R&D to manufacturing
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical performance issues

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Optics, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum of 1 year's industrial experience in geometric waveguide design and simulation
• Strong hands‑on experience with optical simulation software (e.g. Zemax, Code V, LightTools, ASAP, or similar)
• Solid understanding of geometric optics and waveguide theory
• Experience in optical system design and validationAbility to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Good technical documentation and communication skills

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in AR/VR, HUD, or display optics
• Knowledge of diffractive and holographic waveguides
• Experience with prototyping and laboratory testing
• Programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, etc.)

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge optical technologies
• Career development within a growing technology company
• Collaborative and innovative working environment