Senior Optical Engineer - Thermal Imaging & AR Tech

Thermoteknix; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, seeks an experienced Optical Engineer to design imaging optics for thermal, night vision and AR systems. You will craft optical architectures, select materials and coatings, and work with mechanical engineers on assembly and alignment.

Responsibilities include modelling, tolerance analysis, and validating designs from prototype to volume production, ensuring performance across VIS, NIR and IR wavelengths.

Qualifications

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related discipline.
• Significant professional experience in optical system design.
• Experience with Zemax OpticStudio, Code V or equivalent.
• Experience taking optical designs from concept to prototype and manufacture.
• Strong understanding of geometrical and physical optics.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems for thermal imaging, night vision, and AR applications.
• Develop optical architectures for compact imaging systems including lenses, eyepieces, relay optics, and sensors.
• Perform optical modelling and optimisation using Zemax OpticStudio or Code V.
• Conduct tolerance analysis and establish manufacturing tolerances.
• Analyze optical performance including MTF, distortion, aberrations, and image quality.
• Specify materials, coatings, and components across VIS/NIR/IR.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on opto‑mechanical design and packaging.
• Define optical requirements, interfaces and acceptance criteria.
• Support NPI with test methods, fixtures and measurement systems.
• Assist in prototype build, alignment, and environmental qualification.

Skills

Optical design

System integration

Tolerance analysis

MTF analysis

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication to non specialists

Education

Degree in Optical Engineering / Physics / Photonics

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

Optical simulation software

Job description

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, seeks an experienced Optical Engineer to design imaging optics for thermal, night vision and AR systems. You will craft optical architectures, select materials and coatings, and work with mechanical engineers on assembly and alignment.

Responsibilities include modelling, tolerance analysis, and validating designs from prototype to volume production, ensuring performance across VIS, NIR and IR wavelengths.