Senior Optical Engineer

Platform Recruitment; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech organisation in East Hagbourne is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to design and integrate complex optical systems within a multidisciplinary R&D environment. The role involves developing optical technologies, conducting simulations, and collaborating across teams to translate concepts into practical solutions. Candidates should have a relevant MSc degree, over 5 years of experience in optical design, and proficiency with optical simulation tools. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Enhanced pension

Healthcare benefits

Share incentives

Unlimited leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years' relevant experience in optical engineering.
• Proficient in designing free-space and fibre optical systems.
• Experience with complex optical systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of optical systems across multidisciplinary teams.
• Conduct optical simulation, analysis, and design optimisation.
• Create technical documentation and present to stakeholders.

Skills

Optical system design expertise

Hands-on precision alignment

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education

MSc/MEng in Optical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Optical simulation tools (Zemax)

Optical test equipment

Job description

Overview

A deep-tech organisation developing advanced computing and sensing hardware seeks an experienced Optical Engineer to design, analyse and integrate complex optical systems. You'll translate experimental concepts into engineered solutions and work hands‑on across design, assembly and test activities in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of optical systems in collaboration with physics, electrical, software and mechanical teams
• Own optical system lifecycle from requirements definition through to assembly and validation
• Design across free-space and fibre domains, covering laser distribution, modulation, delivery and imaging
• Work from component to subsystem level (hundreds of precisely aligned optical elements)
• Perform optical simulation, analysis, tolerance studies and design optimisation
• Create technical documentation and present design decisions to project stakeholders
• Conduct structured validation and characterisation of optical components and systems

Required Qualifications & Experience

• MSc/MEng or equivalent in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical/Mechatronics or similar
• 5+ years' relevant experience
• Expertise in free-space and fibre optical system design
• Experience with complex optical systems (e.g. compound lenses, SLM, DOE)
• Hands‑on precision alignment of laser/optical assemblies
• Strong understanding of beam quality and aberrations
• Proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax or equivalent)
• Experience with optical test equipment (beam profilers, polarimeters, OSA, wavemeters, wavefront sensors, photodiodes)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Desirable Experience

• Beam stability (power, pointing, polarisation, phase)
• Laser beam modulation, distribution and delivery
• Imaging system design and camera selection
• Experience with micro‑optics, PICs or metasurfaces
• Knowledge of optical tolerance/fixture requirements
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks advantageous)
• Self‑driven, collaborative and comfortable working across cross‑functional teams

Work Environment & Package

• Laboratory + office environment
• Hybrid working available (up to 2 days / week WFH)
• Competitive salary + enhanced pension + healthcare + share incentives + unlimited leave
• Role involves typical lab handling / lifting up to 10 kg