Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Vibe Recruit; Torquay; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibe Recruit is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the Optics and Fibre-Optic R&D initiatives for next-gen fibre-optic technologies. You will drive design, prototyping, and early production, while engaging with customers to shape technical direction and specifications.

Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate; you will guide a small multidisciplinary team, oversee high-power amplifier sub-systems, and contribute hands-on to testing and integration in a demanding

Qualifications

• Degree or PhD in Engineering or Physics with an optics/photonics focus.
• Experience in the optics/photonics industry.
• Experience developing fibre-optic or laser products.
• Hands-on fibre-optic component/system testing experience.
• Leadership or project management experience.
• Strong communication and customer engagement 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
• Collaborating with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment
• Participating 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

Project management

Technical leadership

Customer engagement

Prototype testing

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Proposal development

Education

Degree or PhD in Engineering/Physics with optics 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