Optical Systems Engineer in Oxford

Energy Jobline ZR; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

25 days annual leave

Flexible/hybrid working

Job summary

Archangel Lightworks, based in Oxford, seeks an Optical Engineer to develop optical subsystems from requirements to field testing. You will work with the Product Technical Lead and optical engineering team on design, integration, and validation of laser communication hardware.

Role includes modelling, tolerancing, and hands-on lab work with photonic components, lasers, detectors, and related subsystems, plus collaboration with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Experience defining requirements on optical systems and performing trade studies.
• Optical design/analysis using Zemax or similar software (sequential; non-sequential desirable).
• Hands-on experience with photonic components and systems (lasers, detectors, modulators).
• Hands-on lab experience designing and testing optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design laser communication terminal optical/photonic subsystems for extreme environments.
• Define requirements and trade-offs to balance performance and cost.
• Model optical system performance; perform tolerancing and optimisation.
• Conduct breadboard testing to validate models; assemble and test subsystems.
• Support system-level testing and trials; provide technical leadership.

Skills

Optical design

Requirements definition

Modelling

Tolerancing

Lab testing

System integration

Supplier management

Technical leadership

Tools

Zemax

Optical test equipment

Job description

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- 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 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, optimisation 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

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.