Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Salience Labs; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Salience Labs in Oxford is seeking an Opto-mechanical Engineer to join the Manufacturing team. You will design opto-mechanical assemblies, model optical systems, and translate designs into robust, manufacturable hardware.

You will prototype, test, and iterate to ensure optical performance and mechanical robustness, collaborating with hardware, manufacturing, and vendor teams. Fresh graduates with relevant project experience are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Requires hands-on experience with SolidWorks (2+ years).
• Experience with Zemax or similar optical design software (2+ years).
• Solid understanding of optics fundamentals (alignment, tolerances, beam propagation).
• Experience in opto-mechanical, mechanical, or optical engineering projects or internships.

Responsibilities

• Design opto-mechanical components and assemblies (mounts, housings, alignment stages).
• Model and analyse optical systems and tolerances.
• Translate optical design requirements into manufacturable mechanical designs.
• Perform tolerance analysis to ensure optical alignment across manufacturing variation.
• Build and test prototypes to validate designs against optical targets.
• Support fibre-to-chip and free-space alignment in photonic assemblies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and vendors to ensure production readiness.
• Troubleshoot mechanical/optical integration issues and iterate designs.

Skills

SolidWorks design

Zemax optical modelling

Tolerance analysis

Hands-on prototyping

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Mechanical/Optical Engineering

Tools

None

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.

You 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.