Optical Systems Engineer

Archangel Lightworks Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Advanced optical systems projects

Collaborative culture

Regular socials & lunch

Career development & equity options

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Archangel Lightworks Ltd is seeking an Optical Engineer to design and integrate laser communications subsystems for extreme environments. You will define requirements, perform trade studies, model performance and tolerances, and validate designs with breadboard testing.

You will assemble, integrate and test subsystems, support system-level trials, and provide technical leadership while collaborating with product teams in a hybrid Oxford-based role.

Qualifications

• Experience defining requirements on optical systems and performing trades studies.
• Hands-on testing of optical systems in a lab environment.
• Familiarity with optical detectors, lasers and fibre/free-space optics is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design of laser communication terminal optical/photonic sub-systems for extreme environments.
• Definition of requirements and trade-off analysis for optical/photonics systems.
• Modelling of optical system performance, optimisation and tolerancing.
• Conducting practical breadboard testing to validate modelled data.
• Assembling, integrating and testing subsystems.
• Supporting system level testing and trials.
• Being a subject matter expert for optical and photonic systems.
• Managing suppliers of optical and photonic components.
• Providing technical leadership of subsystem development projects.

Skills

Optical design

Modeling & tolerancing

Requirements definition & tradeStudies

Lab testing

Subsystem integration

Tools

Zemax

Job description

About Archangel Lightworks

Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space - ground data transfer.

Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide.

Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK's Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.

About the job

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 Product Technical Lead 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/photonics systems, finding the optimal balance of performance against cost
• Modelling of optical system performance, optimisation and tolerancing
• Conducting practical breadboard testing to validate modelled data
• Assembling, integrating and testing subsystems
• Supporting system level testing and trials
• Being a 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
• Knowledge of adaptive optics
• Knowledge of space/satellite systems

Location:

Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There may be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager. There may be opportunity for periodic business travel.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work on advanced optical systems to support a world-changing vision
• A collaborative and transparent culture with strong links between functions
• Regular socials and weekly company lunch
• Professional development and skills growth within a specialist engineering field
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with equity options in a growing start‑up
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays

Archangel Lightworks is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. If you need any assistance or accommodation to complete your application or assessment, please contact us through the application form.

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application reflects your own experience, skills, and thinking. We assess applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so anything generated with AI should be reviewed, personalised, and representative of you.