Optical Systems Engineer

Gooch & Housego PLC; Torquay; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Corporate Cash Plan

Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Gooch & Housego PLC in Torquay is seeking an optical systems design engineer to join the Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team. You will take concepts through prototyping and early production, developing fibre optic sub‑systems, including high‑power amplifier modules for sensing and communications.

The role requires a broad background in optics and photonics, hands‑on build/test experience, and the ability to progress projects independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineers and

Qualifications

• Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with Optics, Photonics or Fibre optics bias.
• Knowledge and experience with optical amplifiers (preferably high optical power), fibre‑optics and optics / photonics.
• Hands‑on experience building and testing fibre‑optic components, systems or opto‑electronic modules.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to engage customers technically and collaboratively.
• Comfortable creating and giving technical presentations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input to the design and development of fibre optic sub‑systems such as high‑power fibre‑optic amplifier subsystems and their components
• Work as part of the team to ensure projects and programmes meet deadlines, milestones and are within budget
• Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes optical, mechanical and electronic design engineers
• Active involvement and management of prototype build & assembly – including fibre‑optic splicing, mechanical / electrical assembly and opto‑electronic test
• Develop and execute on test plans for functional and environmental verification of photonic components and systems, verify compliance to target specifications
• Engage with customers as required, discuss specifications and present results clearly and concisely for both internal and external customers
• Contribute to technical reviews and management reports resulting from technical activities

Skills

Optical amplifiers experience

Fibre-optics knowledge

Prototype build & test

Verbal & written communication

Technical presentations

Education

Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with Optics/Photonics or Fibre optics bias

Job description

ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto‑optic, electro‑optic, crystal‑optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy‑five years.

G&H optical fibre components can be found being used on the moon, the International Space Station as well as the bottom of the world's oceans.

At G&H Torquay, we're one of a number of global technology leaders that form the Torbay Hi‑Tech Cluster, bringing a concentration of expertise and innovation in photonics and microelectronics to the South Devon region.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an optical systems design engineer with a diverse skill set to join our Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team in the fibre optic manufacturing centre based in Torquay.

You will be working as part of the development team, bringing a range of products from initial concept and prototyping, through to early‑stage production. A range of fibre optic sub‑systems are in development, including high power fibre optic amplifier sub‑systems for free space optical communications, A&D and remote sensing applications.

The job will involve a range of tasks related to the design, prototype assembly and test of fibre‑optic and photonics based components and sub‑systems, typically covering TRL3 to TRL7.

This position requires the individual to have a well‑rounded background with a broad technical knowledge base in optical amplifiers, fibre‑optics, photonics and related technologies. You will be working as part of a team but should be capable of working under your own steam – self‑motivated and a self‑starter, able to effectively progress projects and trouble‑shoot problems.

The role offers a wide variety of activity from technical involvement in initial product concepts, hardware development, customer interactions. This is a challenging role where you will have a major input to world leading, innovative products that are marketed worldwide.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical input to the design and development of fibre optic sub‑systems such as high‑power fibre‑optic amplifier subsystems and their components
• Work as part of the team to ensure projects and programmes meet deadlines, milestones and are within budget
• Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes optical, mechanical and electronic design engineers
• Active involvement and management of prototype build & assembly – including fibre‑optic splicing, mechanical / electrical assembly and opto‑electronic test
• Develop and execute on test plans for functional and environmental verification of photonic components and systems, verify compliance to target specifications
• Engage with customers as required, discuss specifications and present results clearly and concisely for both internal and external customers
• Contribute to technical reviews and management reports resulting from technical activities

THE SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with Optics, Photonics or Fibre optics bias
• Knowledge and experience with optical amplifiers (preferably high optical power), fibre‑optics and optics / photonics
• Hands‑on experience building and testing fibre‑optic components, systems or opto‑electronic modules.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to engage customers technically and collaboratively.
• Comfortable creating and giving technical presentations.

WHY JOIN US AT G&H

At G&H, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future of photonics. You’ll work with cutting‑edge technologies, collaborate with talented engineers and contribute to products that make a global impact. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for growth and the chance to be part of something truly exciting.

G&H BENEFITS

• 25 days - rising up to 30 days annual leave (phased with long service)
• Corporate Cash Plan
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.

All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.