Optical & Photonic Engineer

RedTech Recruitment Ltd.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

RedTech Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an Optical & Photonic Engineer to design laser and imaging systems, taking concepts to prototypes and production-ready designs. The role combines hands-on lab work with theory, across cameras, lenses and lasers, in a dynamic hardware setting.

The position requires strong hands-on optical experience, DV clearance eligibility in the UK, and willingness to work fully on-site in the North Cambridge area with a UK driving license.

Qualifications

• 2.1 or 1st in Optical Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with optical/laser systems.
• Experience selecting camera and lens systems.
• Experience aligning lasers into electromechanical assemblies.
• Laboratory testing, alignment and troubleshooting hardware.
• Strong imaging theory, beam propagation, coatings and aberrations.
• DV security clearance eligibility (UK) required or pursuing.
• Experience in machine vision or optomechanical design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify optical systems including lens selection and beam paths.
• Work with computer vision specialists to develop solutions.
• Select, integrate and align laser sources within designs.
• Develop camera-based imaging systems including sensor matching.
• Build and test optical prototypes with alignment and characterization.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software teams to integrate subsystems.
• Produce technical docs, test procedures and design specs.
• Support manufacturing partners from prototype to production.
• Ensure laser safety standards are met in testing.

Skills

Optical Engineering

Photonic Systems

Laser Integration

Camera & Lens Tech

Lab Testing

Imaging Fundamentals

DV Clearance Eligibility

Education

2.1 or 1st in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Laser Alignment Tools

Optical Metrology Software

Job description

A fantastic opportunity for an Optical & Photonic Engineer to join an innovative technology company developing sophisticated hardware products. Working across optics, photonics and hardware engineering, you will design systems involving cameras, lenses and lasers, taking ideas from initial concepts through to working prototypes and production-ready designs. This highly hands-on role would suit an experienced engineer who enjoys combining theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory work.

Due to the nature of some client projects, you must be willing and eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance. This generally requires a long-term UK residency history (typically 10+ years) and the ability to pass government security vetting. You can join the team and work on other commercial projects while your clearance application is progressing.

Location:

North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, fully on-site five days per week – you should hold a full UK driving licence, or commit to obtaining one within six months of starting

Requirements for Optical & Photonic Engineer:

• A relevant 2.1 or 1st degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline – our client also values a top academic history, so is looking for a minimum of AAB at A level, or international equivalent
• Strong hands-on experience working with optical or laser systems
• Practical experience selecting, integrating and calibrating camera and lens systems
• Experience safely handling, aligning and integrating lasers into electromechanical systems
• Confidence working in a laboratory environment, aligning optics, carrying out tests and troubleshooting hardware
• Strong understanding of optical fundamentals, including imaging theory, beam propagation, coatings and aberrations
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities within a growing technology company
• Due to the nature of some clients, you should be in a position to obtain UK DV security clearance, which typically requires at least ten years of UK residency, alongside background and criminal record checks.
• Experience with machine vision, image processing, design for manufacture, optical component suppliers or optomechanical design would be beneficial
• Previous experience within a hardware start-up or a small multidisciplinary team would be beneficial

Responsibilities for Optical & Photonic Engineer:

• Design and specify optical systems, including lens selection, beam paths and imaging configurations
• Work with computer vision specialists to develop new technical solutions
• Select, integrate and align laser sources within system designs
• Develop camera-based imaging systems, including sensor selection, matching optics and calibration
• Build and test optical prototypes, carrying out alignment, characterisation and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software engineers to integrate optical subsystems into complete products
• Produce technical documentation, test procedures and design specifications
• Support manufacturing partners in taking optical assemblies from prototype to production
• Ensure designs and testing activities meet applicable laser safety standards

What this role offers:

• The opportunity to take optical and photonic systems from initial design through to working prototypes and production
• A varied technical role combining design, practical testing and collaboration across engineering disciplines
• The chance to take ownership of challenging projects within a growing engineering team A

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments for your application or during the review process, please highlight this by separately emailing [e-mail] (if this email address has been removed by the job board, full contact details are readily available on our website).

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at RedTech. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.