Senior Scientist

Malvern Optical Limited; Throckmorton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Malvern Optical Limited is seeking a qualified engineer/scientist to contribute to the development, evaluation and assessment of electro-optical sensor systems, in both laboratory and field environments. You will work with a small team to analyze customer needs, build technical solutions and communicate results through reports and presentations.

The role involves supporting proposals, bid responses, and future work concepts while staying abreast of AI-related tools and emerging technologies

Qualifications

• Strong technical understanding of electro-optic systems.
• Hands-on experimental and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to varied audiences.
• Experience producing technical reports, proposals, and customer-facing documents.
• Interest in new technologies and their applications in defence and sensing.
• Awareness of AI tools and willingness to adopt them responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Analyse customer requirements and develop technical solutions.
• Carry out experimental work and field trials to validate concepts.
• Communicate findings through high-quality technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Electro-optic systems

Experimental skills

Communicating technical concepts

Technical reporting

Emerging technologies

AI-enabled tools awareness

Job description

The successful applicant will become part of a small team of experienced scientists and engineers carrying out the development, assessment and evaluation of electro-optical (EO) sensor systems, both in the laboratory and in the field.

Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate previous experience of sensor systems, a strong understanding of interface and communications protocols to/from encoders, displays, bearer systems and associated platforms, as well as a sound theoretical understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet through to far-infrared wavelengths. This should be supported by practical experience gained within optical laboratory environments and through the planning and execution of field trials.

The role involves contributing to a diverse range of research, development and evaluation activities for UK Defence and other customers. You will be expected to analyse customer requirements, develop technical solutions, undertake experimental work, and communicate findings through high-quality technical reports and presentations.

In addition to technical delivery, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the business by supporting the development of technical proposals, customer presentations, bid responses and concepts for future work. This may include working with colleagues across the business to develop innovative technical approaches, prepare proposal content, and articulate the benefits and risks associated with potential solutions.

You will also have the opportunity to suggest new topic areas for research and development, identify emerging technologies relevant to customer needs, and develop proposals for internally funded and customer-sponsored work.

The Company is actively exploring the use of AI-enabled technologies to improve efficiency, knowledge management, data analysis and technical delivery. The successful candidate will be encouraged to identify suitable applications for AI tools and utilise them responsibly to support research, analysis, report writing and business activities while maintaining appropriate security and governance controls.

Whilst the role is based near Pershore, the post will require the successful candidate to undertake occasional travel within the UK and overseas in support of project delivery, business development and customer engagement activities. Occasional work outside normal working hours may also be required. We actively encourage our technical staff to attend relevant conferences, exhibitions and industry events as part of their professional development.

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong technical understanding of electro-optic systems and associated technologies.


• Practical experimental and problem-solving skills.


• The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.


• Experience producing technical reports, proposal content, customer-facing documentation or research outputs.


• An interest in emerging technologies and their application to defence, security and sensing challenges.


• Awareness of AI-enabled tools and a willingness to adopt new technologies to improve productivity and technical outcomes.

NB: Due to the nature of our business, candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) at the point of recruitment.