Senior Optical Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Optical Engineer to contribute to the development of cutting-edge electro-optic targeting and surveillance systems. In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and analyze complex optical systems, ensuring high performance and quality. The position offers a blend of on-site and remote work, allowing you to engage with innovative technologies while developing your skills in a supportive environment. If you have a strong background in optics and a passion for engineering, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven understanding of classical optics principles and lens design.
• Experience in testing and manufacturing optical systems.
• Ability to support the creation of functional processes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the research, development, and manufacturing phases of Optical Engineering.
• Design and develop Electro-Optical Systems.
• Conduct lens and optical performance analyses and simulations.

Skills

Optical Design

Lens Design

Optical Analysis

Problem-Solving

Opto-Electronics

Programming (Python, C++)

Education

Second-Class Upper Degree in Physics or Opto-Electronics

MSc or PhD in Applied Optics

Tools

OpticStudio

Code V

FRED

MATLAB

Mathematica

Job description

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

These technologies are based on sophisticated 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 multidisciplinary Engineering Team, the Optical Engineer will collaborate with peers to develop novel solutions in multi-spectral wavebands (infrared and visible), building on decades of domain-leading heritage.

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

Leonardo offers a mix of on-site and remote working; attendance at our Essex facility is required when project needs arise.

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

What you will do as an Optical Engineer:

• Participate in the research, development, and manufacturing phases of the Optical Engineering lifecycle.
• Contribute to systems architecture and requirements.
• Design and develop simple and complex Electro-Optical Systems.
• Conduct lens and optical performance analyses and simulations.
• Ensure quality and consistency of detailed designs, including numerical calculations and tolerance studies.
• Support the integration and testing of Electro-Optical Systems.
• Engage with optical sub-contractor partners and suppliers.
• Review optical designs in accordance with business and industry standards, including ISO 10110.

What we need from you:

Essential Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:

• A minimum of a second-class upper degree in Physics or Opto-Electronics.
• Proven understanding of classical optics principles.
• Experience in lens design and optical analysis.
• Proficiency with industry-recognized tools such as OpticStudio, Code V, FRED, etc.
• An appreciation of Mechanical and Electronics designs related to Electro-Optical Systems.
• Structured, logical problem-solving skills for investigating issues effectively.
• Experience in testing and manufacturing optical systems, including demonstration models or volume production.
• MSc or PhD in an applied optics field or related discipline.
• Experience with optical testing, including definition and commissioning.
• Knowledge of laser optics.
• Experience with Model-Based Design.
• Proficiency in numerical, programming, and symbolic software such as MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, C++, etc.
• Ability to support the creation of functional processes and best practices.