Senior Optical Engineer

Leonardo; Basildon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Basildon seeks an Optical Engineer to contribute to the research and development of innovative electro-optical targeting systems. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in optics, with a minimum upper second-class degree in Physics or Opto-Electronics. Responsibilities include designing optical systems, conducting simulations, and ensuring quality throughout the engineering lifecycle. The role supports flexible working arrangements with a focus on collaboration and technical development.

Qualifications

• Proven understanding of classical optics principles.
• Experience in the use of industry recognised tools.
• Involvement in the test and manufacture of optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop and manufacture Optical Engineering solutions.
• Contribute to systems architecture and requirements.
• Support integration and testing of Electro-Optical Systems.

Skills

Optical design

Opto-Electronics

Problem solving

Lens design

Optical performance analysis

Education

Minimum second class upper degree in Physics or Opto-Electronics

Tools

OpticStudio

Code V

FRED

Job description

Job Description :

Are you an Optical Engineer who wants join us in the development of next generation of Industry leading electro-optic targeting & surveillance, targeting lasers and high-energy laser delivery systems?

Each of these technologies are based upon sophisticated and complex optical design solutions created by our UK team and manufactured in our state of the art facilities in Essex and Edinburgh.

As a member of a multi-disciplinary Engineering Team, the Optical Engineer will collaborate with peers in the development of novel solutions in multi-spectral wavebands (infrared and visible), and will build on decades of domain leading heritage.

All members of the Engineering Team are encouraged to continually develop their technical skills within design, (structural & thermal) analyses and model driven engineering aspects of Mechanical Engineering.

Leonardo offers a mixture of on-site and remote working; with attendance at our facility in Essex required when programme requirements dictate.

Applicants must be eligible to meet full UK Security Clearance and ITAR classification requirements.

What you will do in your role as an Optical Engineer :

• Involved in the research, development and manufacturing phases of the Optical Engineering lifecycle
• Contribute to systems architecture and requirements
• Optical design and development of simple and complex Electro-Optical Systems
• Conduct lens and optical performance analysis / simulations
• Ensure quality and consistency of detailed design, including numerical calculations, tolerance studies, etc
• Support the integration and test of Electro-Optical Systems
• Engagement with optical sub-contractor partners / suppliers
• Involvement in reviews of optical designs in accordance with business and industry standards and knowledge of ISO 10110

What we need from you :

Essential Skills, Qualification and Experience :

• A minimum of second class upper degree in: Physics or Opto-Electronics
• A proven understanding in classical optics principles
• Lens design and optical analysis
• Experienced in the use of industry recognised tools i.e. OpticStudio, Code V, FRED, etc
• An appreciation of Mechanical and Electronics designs associated with Electro-Optical Systems
• Problem solving using a structured, logical approach to investigate issues and problems in an effective manner.
• Involvement in the test and manufacture of optical systems (demonstration models or volume Production)

Desirable :

• MSc or PhD in an applied optics field or related
• Experience in the definition and commissioning of Optical Testing
• Knowledge of laser optics
• Electro-Optical Systems modelling (range performance, sensors, etc)
• Model Based Design
• Numerical, programming and symbolic software (MATLAB, Mathematica, Python C++, etc)
• Support the creation of functional processes and best practices