Senior Optical Engineer

Langham Recruitment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave + holidays

Pension

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Langham Recruitment is seeking a Senior Optical Design Engineer for a Cambridge-based, hybrid role focused on cutting-edge AR/VR display technology. You will contribute to the development of advanced optical systems and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc (PhD preferred) in Physics or Engineering, with strong experience in lens design, birefringence, and optical modelling. Proficiency in Zemax/Lumerical and hands-on interferometry are highly valued.

Qualifications

• MSc or higher in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering; PhD preferable.
• Excellent understanding of optical physics, birefringence, and polarisation.
• Proficient in optical modelling tools: Zemax, Lumerical, DIMOS, Techwiz.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate optical components using Zemax, Lumerical, DIMOS or Techwiz.
• Conduct hands-on optical experiments and metrology, including interferometry.
• Analyse sample performance and feed results back into product designs.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering and customer teams to drive innovation.
• Support customer engagements through technical meetings and site visits.

Skills

Interferometry

Optical modelling

Communication skills

Education

MSc in Physics/Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax

Lumerical

DIMOS

Techwiz

Job description

Senior Optical Design Engineer | Cambridge | Hybrid | Competitive salary + strong package

Are you an Optical Design Engineer with experience in Lens Design and Modelling? Do you want to work on the cutting edge of display technology with AR/VR applications? Do you have a desire to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment?

Then this might just be the role for you!

We are looking for an Optical Design Engineer with experience in lens design, birefringence, and optical modelling to join an established and experienced team directly contributing to the development of groundbreaking optical systems.

Role responsibilities

• Design and simulate advanced optical components using tools like Zemax, Lumerical, DIMOS, or Techwiz.
• Perform hands‑on optical experiments and metrology, including interferometry.
• Analyse sample performance and feed back into new product designs.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and customer teams to drive innovation.
• Support customer and partner engagements through technical meetings and site visits.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• MSc or higher in Physics, Mathematics, or a relevant Engineering discipline; PhD would be preferable.
• Excellent understanding of optical physics, birefringence, and polarisation.
• Proficient in optical modelling tools (Zemax, Lumerical, DIMOS, Techwiz).
• Experience with liquid crystals is a strong plus.
• Ability to independently design and run interferometry experiments.
• Some programming experience with Python or MATLAB is desirable.
• Able to adapt and thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working.
• 25 days annual leave + public holidays (increasing to 30 with length of service).
• Pension.
• Death in Service (4X salary).
• Private medical insurance (family option available).
• Health cash plan (optical, dental, chiropody, chiropractic and others).
• Prescription safety glasses.
• Official learning and development support.
• Share incentive plan.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free onsite parking