Optical & Photonic Engineer

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Quell, a high-growth British defence and security AI technology startup, is seeking an Optical & Photonic Engineer to design and build optical systems from concept to production-ready designs. This role combines optics, photonics and hardware engineering with hands-on bench work.

You will work on cameras, lenses, and lasers, align components, run tests, and document specifications while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams in a fast-moving startup environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience with optical or laser systems
• Practical experience with camera and lens selection, integration, and calibration
• Experience with lasers including safe handling, alignment, and integration into electromechanical systems
• Hands-on lab work: aligning optics, running tests, debugging hardware issues
• Strong understanding of optical fundamentals, imaging theory, and coatings/aberrations
• Ability to work independently in a fast-moving startup environment

Responsibilities

• Design and specify optical systems, including lens selection, beam paths, and imaging configurations
• Collaborate with Computer Vision experts to develop new solutions
• Select, integrate, and align laser sources into system designs
• Design and build camera-based imaging solutions, including sensor matching and calibration
• Build and test optical prototypes, performing alignment, characterization, and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with mechanical/electrical/software engineers to integrate optical subsystems
• Write technical documentation, test procedures, and design specifications
• Support manufacturing partners in scaling optical assemblies from prototype to production
• Ensure laser safety standards and compliance are met

Skills

Optical engineering

Laser systems

Camera and lens calibration

Lab testing & debugging

Imaging theory & beam propagation

Education

Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD in Optical Engineering or related field

Job description

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and CNI sectors.

We are currently seeking an Optical & Photonic Engineer to support our teams. You will work at the intersection of optics, photonics, and hardware engineering, designing optical systems involving cameras, lenses, and lasers, and taking them from concept through to working prototypes and production-ready designs. This is a highly hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys both the theory and the bench work.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify optical systems, including lens selection, beam paths, and imaging configurations
• Work alongside our Computer Vision experts on innovating new solutions
• Select, integrate, and align laser sources into system designs
• Design and build camera-based imaging solutions, including sensor selection, optics matching, and calibration
• Build and test optical prototypes on the bench; perform alignment, characterization, and troubleshooting
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate optical subsystems into full products
• Write technical documentation, test procedures, and design specifications
• Support manufacturing partners in scaling optical assemblies from prototype to production
• Ensure laser safety standards and compliance are met throughout design and testing

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, Master's, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of hands-on experience working with optical or laser systems
• Practical experience with camera and lens systems, selection, integration, and calibration
• Experience working with lasers, including safe handling, alignment, and integration into electromechanical systems
• Comfortable working hands-on in a lab environment: aligning optics, running tests, debugging hardware issues
• Strong understanding of optical fundamentals, imaging theory, beam propagation, coatings, aberrations, etc.
• Ability to work independently and adapt quickly in a fast-moving startup environment

Please note: While you do not need active clearance to apply, you must be eligible to undergo UK Security Check (SC) clearance vetting if selected

• Experience with machine vision systems and image processing pipelines
• Experience designing for manufacturability (DFM) and working with optical component vendors
• Background in mechanical or opto-mechanical design (mounts, alignment fixtures)
• Prior experience at a hardware startup or in a small, cross-functional team

Details

• Location: Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.