Senior Optical Research Scientist/Engineer

PerkinElmer; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer is seeking an experienced optical scientist/engineer to lead the design and optimisation of advanced IR, UV and visible spectrometer systems. You will define high-level and sub-system requirements, and collaborate with our global R&D and manufacturing teams for both research and commercial applications.

You will work across a multidisciplinary team to shape next-generation spectroscopy instruments, performing modelling, testing and data analysis while driving design improvements and

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in physics or engineering is required.
• 5+ years’ experience in optical systems development.
• Proven ability to design free-space coupled relay and imaging optical systems.
• Proficient in Zemax (ray tracing, analysis and optimisation).
• Experience in specifying optical components and understanding manufacturing processes.
• Experience planning and delivering work in a structured product development process.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical design and development of IR, UV and visible spectroscopic instruments.
• Perform detailed optical modelling and analyses.
• Lead validation and calibration of spectroscopic instruments; analyse data and report findings.
• Identify root causes and implement remedial actions for product issues.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and systems engineers on integrated design.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax

Free-space optics

Data analysis

Programming/Scripting

Education

BSc or higher in physics or engineering

Postgraduate qualification (MSc/PhD)

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Purpose

We are looking for an experienced optical scientist or engineer to lead the development, design and optimisation of advanced IR, UV and visible spectrometer systems. This role combines theoretical expertise with practical implementation in both research and commercial applications.

The successful candidate will develop a good understanding of the function and use of our products and their underlying technology, and will define and document both high-level functional and performance requirements and detailed sub-system requirements.

You will collaborate with key stakeholders to contribute to system design and specification, which may include concept development, design calculations or system modelling. The role includes collaboration with, and support of, PerkinElmer’s global R&D and manufacturing centres, which may involve travel.

The role also includes investigation of selected manufacturing and field failures on both new and existing products to determine root cause and initiate remedial actions.

You will have the opportunity to shape the optical design of next‑generation spectroscopy instruments, working in a multidisciplinary team that covers everything from early research and new product development to sustaining existing products.

International and national travel may be required for conferences and trade shows, and to support PerkinElmer’s global R&D and manufacturing centres.

Responsibilities

Optical design and development

• Research, develop and implement optical system designs using principles of physical optics, radiometry and spectroscopy

• Drive the conceptual design and development of IR, UV and visible spectroscopic instruments

• Perform detailed optical modelling and analysis using advanced software tools (e.g. Zemax)
• Optimise and tolerance optical designs for performance and manufacturability

• Research and develop new spectroscopic techniques
• Understand and specify the products’ optical performance parameters at both system and sub‑system level

Test, validation and data analysis

• Lead the validation and calibration of spectroscopic instruments
• Analyse experimental data and produce summary reports
• Work with other engineers to design and build the test equipment needed

Sustaining, product support and root cause analysis

• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for both new and existing products, covering development, manufacturing and field issues, working with design engineers, manufacturing and service to understand failure modes and quality issues

Collaboration and ways of working

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and systems engineers on integrated product design

• Author technical documentation, reports and research papers

• Work within our structured product development process

• Take responsibility for product quality and performance

Basic Qualificatio n

Required:

• Degree (BSc or higher) in physics or an engineering discipline

• 5+ years’ experience in optical systems development

• Proven ability to design free‑space coupled relay and imaging optical systems

• Well versed in the use of Zemax (or similar software) for ray tracing, analysis and optimisation

• Experience in the specification of optical components and knowledge of their manufacturing processes.

• Experience of planning and delivering work within a structured product development process
• Proven ability to assess technical risk and recognise failure modes
• Proven ability to design and carry out experiments, and to analyse and report on the results
• Proficiency in automated data collection and analysis using suitable software

Preferred Characteristics

• Postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in an engineering or physical science discipline

• Experience designing reflective optical imaging or illumination systems

• Experience in the application of diffraction gratings for spectroscopy

• Knowledge of scanning Michelson interferometers

• Experience in the design, troubleshooting and manufacture of electro‑mechanical equipment (preferably instrumentation)

• Product development experience within a company making measurement instrumentation

• Familiarity with product design methodologies such as design for manufacture (DFM) and design FMEATask- and goal‑oriented, with the drive to see work through to completion

• Analytical thinker, driven by data

• Strong organisational skills

• Practical problem solver, comfortable switching between long‑term development and urgent manufacturing issues

• Attention to detail

• Adaptable to change