Optical & Photonic Engineer

Redtech Recruitment Ltd.; New Alresford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

RedTech Recruitment Ltd seeks an Optical & Photonic Engineer to design and develop advanced hardware systems across optics, photonics and imaging, taking ideas from concept through prototypes to production-ready designs.

This on-site role in the North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area requires eligibility for UK DV security clearance and a full UK driving licence; it offers hands-on lab work and close collaboration with engineering teams.

Qualifications

• 2:1/1st in Optical Eng, Photonics, Physics or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with optical or laser systems.
• Experience selecting, integrating and calibrating camera and lens systems.
• Experience aligning lasers into electromechanical systems.
• Lab environment experience with optics alignment, tests and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of imaging theory, beam propagation, coatings and aberrations.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify optical systems, including lens selection and imaging configurations.
• Collaborate with computer vision specialists to develop new solutions.
• Select, integrate and align laser sources within system designs.
• Develop camera-based imaging systems with sensor selection and calibration.
• Build and test optical prototypes, performing alignment and troubleshooting.

Skills

Optical Systems

Laser Alignment

Camera/Lens integration

Lab testing

Independent work

Education

2:1/1st in Optical Eng, Photonics, Physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical Alignment Equipment

Calibration Equipment

Job description

Job Description

Optical & Photonic Engineer

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

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.

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

Keywords: Optical Engineer / Photonics Engineer / Optical & Photonic Engineer / Laser Engineer / Electro-Optical Engineer / Optical Systems Engineer / Imaging Engineer / Optical Design Engineer / Optomechanical Engineer / Optical Test Engineer / Photonics Development Engineer / Optical Hardware Engineer / Optics / Photonics / Lasers / Camera Systems / Lens Systems / Imaging Systems / Optical Sensors / Optical Calibration / Beam Propagation / Optical Coatings / Optical Alignment / Laser Safety / Machine Vision / Computer Vision / Image Processing / Electromechanical Systems / Design for Manufacture / Optical Engineering / Physics / Electrical Engineering / Mathematics / Engineering

RedTech Recruitment Ltd focus on finding roles for Engineers and Scientists. Even if the above role isn’t of interest, please visit our website to see our other opportunities.

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.