Senior Optical Systems Lead — Fibre Optics R&D

G&H (Gooch & Housego); Hele; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gooch & Housego in Torquay, UK, seeks a Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader to drive fibre‑optic R&D and mentor a small engineering team. You’ll oversee concept to early production of high‑power fibre‑optic sub‑systems for applications across communications, aerospace, and sensing.

You’ll combine hands‑on design with leadership, manage projects to time and budget, engage customers, and shape the technical direction of multiple programmes in a globally relied‑upon photonics group.

Qualifications

• Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with an optics, photonics or fibre‑optics focus.
• Experience in the optics/photonics industry is required.
• Commercial experience developing fibre‑optic or laser products is essential.
• Strong knowledge of optical amplifiers (ideally high‑power), fibre‑optics and photonics.
• Hands‑on experience building and testing fibre‑optic components, systems or optronic 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design and development of fibre‑optic sub‑systems, including high‑power optical amplifiers.
• Lead and manage small project teams to deliver on time and within budget.
• Work closely with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Take an active role in prototype build and assembly, including fibre‑optic splicing, mechanical/electrical assembly and opto‑electronic testing.
• Develop and execute test plans for functional and environmental verification.
• Engage directly with customers—negotiating specifications, presenting results and shaping technical direction.
• Build strong internal networks across G&H’s global technical and commercial teams.
• Deliver technical reviews and produce clear, concise management reports.

Skills

Technical leadership

Team leadership

Project management

Customer engagement

Communication skills

Education

Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics

Job description

Gooch & Housego in Torquay, UK, seeks a Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader to drive fibre‑optic R&D and mentor a small engineering team. You’ll oversee concept to early production of high‑power fibre‑optic sub‑systems for applications across communications, aerospace, and sensing.

You’ll combine hands‑on design with leadership, manage projects to time and budget, engage customers, and shape the technical direction of multiple programmes in a globally relied‑upon photonics group.