Optical Systems Functional Manager

Langham Recruitment; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Technical Manager in Guildford to lead Optical Systems development. The role involves mentoring engineers, ensuring project delivery, and refining engineering processes. Applicants should have a degree in Physics or Engineering with experience in optical engineering and strong leadership skills. This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including flexible working policies and an annual bonus.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Flexible hybrid working policies

32 days annual leave + bank holidays

Annual company bonus scheme

Up to 8% employer pension contribution

Life assurance (6X salary)

Private health care

Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

Multiple discount and membership schemes

Qualifications

• Background in Optical Engineering essential.
• Experience with space optical instruments required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Optical Systems engineers.
• Manage workload planning and resource needs.
• Oversee adherence to engineering processes.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Strategic thinking

Customer-focused

Education

Degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

Optical Systems Functional Manager | Guildford | Hybrid | Competitive salary + strong package

Are you an Engineering Manager with experience within Optical Engineering teams? Do you have experience working on Space and Satellite projects? Do you want to work with an industry leading company on cutting edge projects and technologies?

Then this might just be the role for you!

Our client is looking for a dynamic and motivated Technical Manager to lead and drive the development of current and future Optical Payloads. This role balances technical expertise, team leadership, and strategic planning, ensuring successful project execution from concept to in-orbit operation.

You’ll collaborate closely with Opto-Mechanical, Optical AIV, and Imaging Electronics teams, as well as Engineering and Project teams, to maintain high product quality, efficient resource management, and seamless delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Optical Systems engineers, overseeing recruitment, performance, development, and wellbeing.
• Assess team capabilities and resource needs to ensure successful project delivery.
• Manage workload planning, resolving resource constraints, skill gaps, and scheduling conflicts.
• Ensure adherence to companywide engineering processes, guiding design, build, and test activities.
• Foster technical growth within the team, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Continuously refine engineering processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive project execution within budget and schedule constraints.
• Maintain documentation and effective communication of engineering practices.
• Oversee peer reviews and maintain consistency in technical work.
• Conduct system-level design for space and ground segments, including requirements analysis and trade studies.
• Perform cost, risk, schedule, and performance assessments.
• Develop Optical Payload product roadmaps aligned with company strategy.
• Collaborate with sales and engineering teams on bids, tenders, and technical studies.
• Build relationships with project managers, department heads, and industry experts.
• Stay updated on advancements in optical engineering, applying innovations to projects.
• Establish team policies to ensure consistency and long-term success.
• Develop succession plans and strategies for team retention and growth.

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Physics or Engineering with a strong background in Optical engineering.
• Expertise in space optical instruments, including telescopes, spectrometers, and focal plane assemblies.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical, programmatic, and budgetary constraints.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Microsoft Project.
• Customer-focused with strong stakeholder management abilities.

What's in it for you?

• Highly competitive Salary.
• Flexible hybrid working policies.
• 32 days annual leave + BH.
• Annual Company Bonus Scheme.
• Up to 8% employer pension contribution.
• Life Assurance (6X salary).
• Private Health Care.
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave.
• Multiple Discount, Memberships schemes