Senior Optical Engineer

CT19; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering life science startup based in Oxford is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to design embedded Raman microscope systems and contribute to a multidisciplinary team. This role offers the opportunity to lead projects from prototyping to market, focusing on innovative optical technologies aimed at combating antibiotic resistance. Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background in optical systems and experience with rapid prototyping and testing methodologies.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar).
• Experience in design and implementation of Raman microscopy or similar spectroscopy solutions.
• Hands-on experience in designing and engineering an optical system.

Responsibilities

• Design and transfer to manufacturing of an embedded Raman microscope system.
• Support the integration and testing of Electro-Optical/Imaging Systems.
• Contribute to engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.

Skills

Optical system design

Rapid prototyping

Mechanical stability

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

BEng or MEng in Physics or Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Zemax

Job description

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Talent Partner to Global Life Science clients

We are recruiting for an early-stage start-up based in Oxford who have good funding, working on building a rapid platform that identifies microbes and their antimicrobial profiles directly from clinical samples. This innovative technology will enable transformative change in the fight against sepsis and antibiotic resistance.

They are growing an amazing multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and innovators to bring the technology to market. Currently searching for an experienced Optical Systems Engineer (open to senior title) who may grow into a Head of the Engineering department in the future. The successful candidate will work alongside the existing team, helping deliver systems from prototypes through to robust, manufacturable hardware for clinical use.

Key responsibilities

• Design and transfer to manufacturing of an embedded Raman microscope system.
• Design compact, rigid, and stable assemblies for Electro-Optical subsystems.
• Support the integration and testing of Electro-Optical / Imaging Systems.
• Translate breadboard and concept designs into detailed system requirements and designs.
• Apply DFM (Design for Manufacture) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles to support prototyping and manufacturing.
• Design and operation of test rigs.
• Design and documentation of assembly rigs and tooling.
• Optimize optical path lengths and improve mechanical stability and vibration performance. Contribute to system architecture and optimisation.
• Contribute to engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
• Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations.
• Support regulatory and quality processes (e.g., ISO 13485 readiness, design traceability).
• Conduct system optical performance analysis / simulations including stray light analysis.
• Ensure quality and consistency of detailed design, including numerical calculations, tolerance and thermal analysis, etc.
• Involvement in reviews of optical designs in accordance with business and industry standards and knowledge of ISO10110.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• BEng or MEng in Physics or Engineering, with a relevant engineering background in optical sensors, diagnostics, or lab instrumentation design.
• Experience in rapid prototyping with optical systems.
• Experience in free-space optical system engineering.
• Hands-on experience in designing and engineering an optical system with laser alignment and coupling at micron spot size.
• Understanding of vibration damping, mechanical stability, and alignment techniques.
• Excellent planning and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of organization.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The role involves daily interaction with a multi-disciplinary team of stakeholders.
• A proven understanding of classical optics principles and lasers.
• Experience with modelling geometric optics with optical modelling software – such as Zemax, FRED, CODE V.
• Experience in design and implementation of Raman microscopy or similar spectroscopy solutions.
• Experience of integrating an optical system with sample presentation systems, such as microfluidics, autoloaders, or robotic handling systems.
• Experience of in vitro medical device (IVD) development working under ISO:13485 quality management systems.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar) and 2D drawing creation with tolerancing.
• Familiarity with FEA, thermal simulation, or vibration analysis tools.
• Project leadership and/or experience of taking products from concept through to commercialisation.