Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Vibe Recruit Limited; Ilminster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibe Recruit Limited is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced fibre-optic sub-systems, from concept to early production, with relocation assistance.

You will collaborate across optical, mechanical and electronic teams, lead small projects, and engage directly with customers to shape technical direction.

The role involves hands-on design, testing and leadership in a cutting-edge photonics environment.

Qualifications

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

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

Team leadership

Optics/photonics

Prototype testing

Customer engagement

Education

Degree in Engineering/Physics with optics focus

PhD preferred

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