Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Salience Labs; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Salience Labs is seeking an Opto-mechanical Engineer to join the Manufacturing team, bridging mechanical design, optics, and production. You will design mounts, alignment stages, and housings, and validate them from CAD to prototype to production.

The role combines optical modelling, mechanical design, and hands-on testing. Fresh graduates with strong project or internship experience are welcome.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design and drafting.
• Experience with Zemax or similar optical design software.
• Strong understanding of optics fundamentals (alignment, tolerances, beam propagation).
• Hands-on lab, prototyping, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Able to perform tolerance analysis for optical and mechanical systems.
• Strong communication across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design opto-mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Model and analyze optical systems and tolerances with Zemax.
• Translate optical design requirements into manufacturable mechanical designs.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses for optical/mechanical systems.
• Build and test prototypes to validate optical performance targets.
• Support fibre-to-chip and free-space alignment integration.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams and vendors for production-ready designs.
• Create design documentation and version-controlled files.

Skills

SolidWorks

Zemax

Optics fundamentals

Troubleshooting

Lab experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Optical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Zemax

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for an Opto-mechanical Engineer to join our Manufacturing team and play a critical role in the design, integration, and manufacturing of opto-mechanical systems for our photonic products. This role will sit at the intersection of mechanical design, optics, and manufacturing, helping us translate optical designs into robust, manufacturable hardware.

We will take ownership of designing and validating opto-mechanical assemblies, including mounts, and alignment structures for optical and photonic components. You will work closely with Hardware, and manufacturing engineering teams as well as vendors from across the world to ensure designs are optically sound, mechanically robust, and ready for scalable production.

This is a highly hands-on engineering role suited to someone comfortable moving between CAD design, optical modelling, and physical prototyping and testing. You will be expected to troubleshoot mechanical and optical integration issues, iterate on designs quickly, and help establish repeatable, production-ready opto-mechanical solutions. Fresh graduates with strong relevant project, internship, or academic experience are welcome to apply.

What you'll be doing

• Design opto-mechanical components and assemblies (mounts, housings, brackets, alignment stages) using SolidWorks
• Model and analyse optical systems and tolerances using Zemax
• Translate optical design requirements into manufacturable mechanical designs
• Perform tolerance analysis to ensure optical alignment and performance across manufacturing variation
• Build and test prototypes to validate opto-mechanical designs against optical performance targets
• Support fibre-to-chip and free-space alignment integration for photonic assemblies
• Work closely with manufacturing team and vendors to ensure designs are suitable for production and assembly
• Investigate and resolve mechanical or thermal issues affecting optical performance (e.g. misalignment, drift, stress‑induced effects)
• Create and maintain design documentation, drawings, and version-controlled files
• Collaborate with suppliers on machining, coatings, and assembly processes
• Support root cause analysis for opto-mechanical failures identified in test or field use

What we're looking for

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design and drafting (2+ years of hands‑on experience)
• Experience with Zemax or similar optical design/simulation software (2+ years of hands‑on experience)
• Solid understanding of optics fundamentals (alignment, tolerances, beam propagation, focusing)
• Some industrial, internship, or substantial project experience in opto-mechanical, mechanical, or optical engineering
• Ability to perform tolerance stack‑up analysis for optical and mechanical systems
• Comfortable working hands‑on in laboratory and prototyping environments (hands‑on lab /manufacturing experience)
• Strong troubleshooting mindset with a practical, iterative approach to engineering
• Ability to communicate clearly with cross‑functional engineering teams
• Able to travel to vendor sites to transfer knowledge and troubleshoot problems.

Even better if you have

• Experience with photonic or semiconductor packaging and assembly
• Familiarity with fibre alignment, free‑space optics, or laser‑based systems
• Experience with thermal or structural analysis (FEA) as it relates to optical performance
• Exposure to manufacturing or production environments
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and its application to precision optical assemblies
• Familiarity with material selection for optical and thermal stability

We are open to candidates from Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical disciplines. Fresh graduates with strong relevant experience through projects, internships, or research are encouraged to apply.

This is an opportunity to work on genuinely challenging problems across optics, mechanics, and manufacturing, with direct influence on how advanced AI hardware is designed and built.

You will also have access to cutting‑edge equipment, collaborative engineering teams, and the chance to help shape opto‑mechanical design capability from the ground up.