Lead Optical Engineer

HID; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and rewards package

Extensive career development opportunities

Vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture

Job summary

HID is seeking a Lead Optical Engineer in Reading, UK. The successful candidate will design and test optical imaging systems, ensuring quality for HID's biometric products. A solid background in applied physics or optical design is essential, along with experience in similar roles. The position requires strong communication skills and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. This role will contribute to exciting projects within a global organization dedicated to innovation and quality in optical engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics, optical design, or related discipline.
• Past experience in a similar position.
• Knowledge of geometrical optics and physics.

Responsibilities

• Design and test optical imaging systems for biometric identification systems.
• Analyze and specify production tolerances.
• Communicate with customers or suppliers about technical specifications.

Skills

Optical imaging systems

Geometrical optics

Optical design software (Zemax)

Technical communication

Optical sensors

Education

Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics, optical design, or related discipline

Tools

Matlab

MathCad

Job description

Lead Optical Engineer

Location: Reading UK, Prague Czech Republic

Job ID: 47502

Overview

The optical engineer will contribute to the product competence of HID’s EAT BIO business unit. Optical imaging and illumination systems are integral to most of our biometric products, and quality engineering is paramount for the success of these devices.

Essential Duties

• Design and test optical imaging systems for biometric identification systems.
• Analyze and specify production tolerances.
• Communicate with customers or suppliers about technical specifications on a global scale.
• Identify and order COTS components, conduct sample testing.
• Provide technical support and contribute to project planning.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software development teams (measurement methods development, programming, optical, electrical and mechanical design, sensor selection, illumination).
• Cooperate on product development and research projects.
• Cooperate/support industrialization and manufacturing engineering when bringing designs to production.
• Liaise with and supervise external suppliers on technical subjects (made-to-order parts or end‑product manufacturing).
• Prototype and test optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Optimize and troubleshoot existing performance testing, validation, and production processes (including hands‑on tuning).
• Help troubleshoot optical issues in manufacturing processes.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics, optical design, or a related discipline (optics, mechanical engineering, precision mechanics).
• Past experience in a similar position.
• Knowledge of geometrical optics and physics.
• Knowledge of Zemax optical design software and its macro language for design and tolerancing work.
• Experience with common optical sensors (CMOS, CCD, etc.).
• Experience with semiconductor illumination (LED, laser diodes).
• Hands‑on experience designing, assembling, and testing optical breadboards, brassboards, and prototypes for optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Expert advisory ability to other team members, ability to liaise technical matters with other teams, customers, and subcontractors.
• Ability to create clear and comprehensive technical reports.
• Communication and liaison with customers, external suppliers, and subcontractors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in numerical methods (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, own scripting).
• Applied optics and optical measuring methods.
• Design of opto‑mechanical and opto‑electrical devices.
• Experience in strategic/governmental optical designs and systems sharing or distribution limitations.
• Knowledge of DFM and DFT principles for electro‑optical systems.
• Ability to lead other optical engineers and multidisciplinary tasks.

Work Requirements

• Compliance with all relevant HID Global policies and procedures related to Quality, Security, Safety, Business Continuity, and Environmental systems.
• Travel and fieldwork, including international travel may be required; a valid passport is therefore necessary.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which you are hired.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and rewards package.
• Competitive benefits and annual leave offering to support work‑life balance.
• A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture.
• Extensive career development opportunities and resources.
• Opportunity to be part of a global organization pioneering hardware, software, and services that enable secure, confident navigation of the physical and digital worlds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering mutual respect and inclusivity.

If you have a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact accommodations‑[e-mail].