Optical & Photonic Engineer On-Site Prototyping Lead

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, 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.