Optical Systems Engineer

Redline Group Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Redline Group Ltd is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to design and develop advanced optical and photonic systems across multiple markets. You will work on concept-to-production projects within a multidisciplinary team and engage with customers and stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will have strong optics knowledge, experience with Zemax/Code V, and a track record in systems engineering, validation, and technical leadership in aerospace, defence, or life sciences sectors.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics/Optics/Photonic or related field; strong optics background.
• Experience developing optical, photonic, imaging, or laser-based systems.
• Strong knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, laser tech, and optical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and validate complex optical and photonic systems.
• Translate customer requirements into technical specifications and system architectures.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across optics, electronics, software, and manufacturing.

Skills

Optical system design

Photonics

Systems engineering

Technical documentation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Customer interaction

Education

Degree in Physics/Optics/Photonic

Master's or PhD in related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

Job description

A position for an Optical Systems Engineer / Senior Optical Systems Engineer has become available with a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced photonics, optical systems, and precision technologies.

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a globally recognised engineering organisation that designs and delivers cutting-edge optical solutions for customers operating across aerospace, defence, life sciences, industrial, semiconductor, and scientific markets.

The Optical Systems Engineer / Senior Optical Systems Engineer role is available across Torquay, Southampton, and Northampton and will form part of a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of complex optical and photonic systems.

These positions offer the opportunity to work on innovative technology programmes from concept through to production, collaborating with experts across optics, electronics, software, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing disciplines.

Candidates can be based at any of the three locations, with opportunities available for both experienced engineers and senior-level engineers looking to take on technical leadership responsibilities.

This role offers a varied mix of optical design, systems engineering, technology development, customer interaction, and technical problem-solving activities.

Ideal candidates for the Optical Systems Engineer / Senior Optical Systems Engineer role, based in Torquay, Southampton, and Northampton will have experience in:

• Optical system design and development.
• Photonics, laser systems, imaging systems, or optoelectronic technologies.
• Translating customer requirements into technical specifications and system architectures.
• Optical modelling, simulation, tolerance analysis, and performance optimisation.
• Requirements capture, verification, validation, and systems engineering activities.
• Supporting product development throughout the full engineering lifecycle.
• Integrating and testing complex optical systems.
• Working within multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Producing technical documentation, reports, specifications, and design reviews.
• Investigating and resolving complex technical challenges.Collaborating with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Additional experience sought for Senior Optical Systems Engineers:

• Leading complex optical engineering projects.
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring junior engineers.
• Acting as a subject matter expert within optics or photonics.
• Supporting bids, proposals, and customer-facing technical discussions.
• Leading design reviews and driving engineering best practice.
• Managing technical risk and supporting project delivery.

The successful candidate will ideally possess:

• A Degree, Master's, or PhD in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing optical, photonic, imaging, or laser-based systems.
• Strong knowledge of geometrical optics, physical optics, laser technologies, and optical instrumentation.
• Experience using optical simulation and design tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.
• Experience within aerospace, defence, semiconductor, life sciences, industrial, or scientific markets would be advantageous.
• An understanding of systems engineering processes and product development lifecycles.