Principal Optical Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and technology organization seeks a skilled Principal Optical Engineer for a contract role in Basildon. The position involves collaborating on advanced InfraRed product development and supporting the complete product lifecycle in a hybrid working environment. This opportunity offers an exciting chance to work with cutting-edge technology and engage with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in optical engineering, ideally with InfraRed products.
• Strong understanding of optical design and analysis.
• Eligible for UK classified projects.

Responsibilities

• Support product lifecycle from research through manufacture.
• Lead lens design development and conduct performance simulations.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and external suppliers.

Skills

Optical design

Optical simulation

Collaboration

Customer liaison

Tools

Optical analysis tools

Job description

Job Description

Principal Optical Engineer – Contract (Inside IR35)

Location: Basildon (Hybrid)

Duration: 12 months

We are currently seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer to support the research, design, and development of next- InfraRed (IR) products. This is a contract position working with a leading defence and technology organisation, offering the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects alongside multi-disciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support research, design, development, and manufacture throughout the full product lifecycle.
• Contribute to system architecture definition and lead lens design development.
• Conduct detailed analyses and performance simulations for optical solutions.
• Support integration and testing of optical systems.
• Deliver designs with consideration for manufacture, assembly, and test processes.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, and internal teams across multiple disciplines.
• Engage regularly with the external supply chain and customer community.
• Operate as part of an integrated project team (IPT) environment.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in optical engineering, ideally within InfraRed product development.
• Strong understanding of optical design, simulation, and analysis tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience liaising with customers and suppliers.
• Eligible to work on UK classified projects (security clearance may be required).

Additional Information:

• This is a hybrid role based from the Basildon site.
• On-site working frequency to be agreed with the project team.
• 37-hour standard work week, with potential overtime subject to project needs and approvals.
• Contract inside IR35.

• If you are an experienced Optical Engineer looking for your next contract opportunity, please get in touch to discuss further.