Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Vibe Recruit; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibe Recruit is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to shape next-gen fibre-optic technologies in a leading photonics developer. You will lead a small R&D team, stay hands-on with design, prototyping and testing, and engage customers on specifications and direction.

The role covers high-power fibre-optic amplifiers, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and early-stage production activities in a dynamic, innovative environment. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Degree or PhD in Engineering or Physics with an optics/photonics/fibre focus.
• Experience in the optics/photonics industry.
• Commercial experience developing fibre-optic or laser products.
• Strong knowledge of optical amplifiers.
• Hands-on experience building and testing fibre-optic components, systems or modules.
• Team leadership or project management experience.
• Ability to generate proposals and manage technical and financial aspects.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting to customers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design and development of fibre-optic sub-systems, including high-power optical amplifiers.
• Lead small project teams to deliver on time and within budget.
• Work with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Prototype build and testing, including splicing, assembly and opto-electronic testing.
• Develop and execute test plans for verification.
• Engage with customers, negotiate specifications, present results and shape technical direction.
• Deliver technical reviews and concise management reports.

Skills

Team leadership

Proposal writing

Optical amplifiers

Fibre-optic testing

Hands-on prototype build

Customer engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree or PhD in Engineering or Physics with optics/photonics/fibre focus

Job description

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

A fantastic opportunity is now available for a Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader, to join the Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team, for a leading photonics developer and help shape the next generation of fibre-optic technologies.

Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Shape the Future of Light-Based Technologies

The organisation is at forefront of photonics innovation-designing and delivering optical systems, assemblies and components for the world's most demanding applications. The technologies are trusted everywhere from the deepest oceans to space.

The Opportunity

You'll play a central role in developing advanced fibre-optic sub-systems-from early concept and prototyping through to early-stage production. Current programmes include high-power fibre-optic amplifier sub-systems for free-space optical communications, aerospace & defence, and remote sensing.

You'll lead technical development, guide a small team, and stay hands-on with design, prototype build, testing and customer engagement. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, complexity and genuine innovation.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Providing technical leadership in the design and development of fibre-optic sub-systems, including high-power optical amplifiers
• Leading and managing small project teams to deliver on time and within budget
• Working closely with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment
• Taking an active role in prototype build and assembly, including fibre-optic splicing, mechanical/electrical assembly and opto-electronic testing
• Developing and executing test plans for functional and environmental verification
• Engaging directly with customers-negotiating specifications, presenting results and shaping technical direction
• Delivering technical reviews and producing clear, concise management reports

Skills & Experience

• Degree or PhD in Engineering or Physics with an optics, photonics or fibre-optics focus
• Current or recent experience in the optics/photonics industry
• Commercial experience developing fibre-optic or laser products
• Strong knowledge of optical amplifiers
• Hands-on experience building and testing fibre-optic components, systems or opto-electronic modules
• Team leadership or project management experience
• Ability to generate proposals and manage both technical and financial aspects of development projects
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting to customers and stakeholders

Protected content

Vibe Recruit is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.