Optical Systems Engineer

Archangel Lightworks; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A connectivity technology firm based in Oxford seeks an Optical Engineer to design and test innovative laser communication systems. The role requires expertise in optical design, hands-on testing, and strong leadership skills. Candidates will have the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment and contribute to cutting-edge projects aimed at enhancing global communications. Attractive perks include equity options, 25 days holiday, and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave allowance

Equity options

Investment in training resources

Supportive team culture

Annual team retreat

Wellbeing app subscriptions

Qualifications

• Experience defining requirements on optical systems and performing trade studies.
• Hands-on lab experience designing and conducting tests for optical systems.
• Experience modeling optical systems using design software.

Responsibilities

• Design laser communication terminal optical systems for extreme environments.
• Manage suppliers of optical components and provide technical leadership.
• Conduct practical breadboard testing to validate model performance.

Skills

Optical design/analysis experience

Hands-on experience with photonic components

Experience defining requirements on optical systems

Good understanding of physical principles

Tools

Zemax

Optical detectors

Lasers

Job description

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We’re passionate about improving humanity’s communications infrastructure and solving some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can make your mark as part of a growing team and work on the cutting-edge of innovation.

We’re looking for an Optical Engineer with both design and Assembly Integration and Test experience to join our engineering team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. You will be responsible for the development of our optical subsystems, from requirements definition to testing in the field. In this role, you will work closely with our Lead Systems Engineer and optical engineering team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design of laser communication terminal optical/photonic sub-systems for extreme environments.
• Requirement definition and trade off analysis for complex optical systems, finding the optimal balance of performance against cost.
• Modelling of optical system performance, optimization and tolerancing.
• Conducting practical breadboard testing to validate modelled data.
• Assembling, integrating and testing subsystems.
• Supporting system level testing and trials.
• Being the subject matter expert for optical and photonic systems.
• Managing suppliers of optical and photonic components.
• Providing technical leadership of subsystem development projects.

Requirements:

• Experience defining requirements on optical systems, modelling and performing trades studies to inform design selection.
• Optical design/analysis experience using Zemax or similar software for design, optimization and tolerancing. (Sequential, non-sequential desirable).
• Hands-on experience with photonic components and systems, including lasers (CW and pulsed), optical detectors/receivers, modulators, and fibre/ free-space optics, with a solid understanding of underlying physical principles and performance trade-offs.
• Hands-on lab experience designing and carrying out tests for relevant optical systems.

Desirable additional skills:

• Experience with electronics for optoelectronic systems, including analogue front-ends, high-speed data converters, embedded/FPGAs, and power/EMI/thermal considerations.
• Experience with optical or RF communication systems, including modulation schemes, error correction, FPGA/SDR modem implementation, and relevant protocols (e.g. CCSDS, SpaceWire, Ethernet).
• Experience with high power lasers, optical amplifiers, and relevant safety requirements.
• Experience with optical instrument calibration and alignment, and procedure definition.

Location:Hybrid with travel when required. Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford.

Compensation & Perks:

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing vision.
• Options for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you.
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.
• Equity options in a growing start-up.
• Investment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budget.
• Supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibility.
• Annual team retreat, regular socials and weekly team lunch.
• Variety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.