At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge optical systems for advanced defence technologies.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in innovative defence solutions with a focus on inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen defence tech while collaborating with experienced engineers.
- Qualifications: Graduate-level qualifications in optics and experience in optical system design.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an Optical Engineer who would relish the opportunity to work on one of our flagship programmes, such as DragonFire: the UK’s first Laser Directed Energy Weapon, or the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP): to deliver the next‑generation of threat‑defeat technology or advancing the technology of our world‑leading targeting lasers? We’re currently seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Advanced Targeting Sector in Edinburgh. Your focus will be on rigorous modelling of novel concepts, technology maturation, precision alignment during integration, and system‑level verification. By accepting this challenge, you will have the chance to contribute directly to sovereign defence technologies that enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments, while collaborating with a growing team of experienced optical designers.
Your responsibilities:
- Development of Optical‑Mechanical concepts; including system architecture definition, develop lens designs, carry out analysis and performance simulations.
- Providing capability in modelling or designing imaging lenses and optical systems using appropriate commercial tools such as ZEMAX OpticStudio, CodeV or equivalent.
- Development of test processes for Engineering and/or Technicians to build and align the next generation of electro‑optical systems.
- Develop and support system verification processes to ensure these electro‑optical systems meet both performance and safety requirements.
- Investigate new technologies and engineering capabilities to address emerging business opportunities.
- Develop work packages to scope milestones and deliverables within a project team environment and demonstrate ownership of those work packages.
- Engaging with procurement to identify new suppliers or support supplier quality issues.
What you’ll bring:
- Classical optics principles, demonstrated through relevant graduate‑level qualifications.
- Techniques for Lens Design and Optical Analysis using appropriate commercial tools such as Ansys OpticStudio, CodeV, Fred or equivalent.
- Experience of new product development of a product which includes an optical‑mechanical system.
- Development or verification of an Infrared Optical Systems or multi‑waveband optical system.
- Methods used to investigate optical transmission or reflectance of different optical coatings.
- Methods used for Stray light analysis and control.
- Optical techniques for measuring and transmitted wavefront error.
- Optical design of fiber to free‑space optics.
- Experience designing across a range of temperatures and environments.
Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Our Commitment to Inclusion: At Leonardo, we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.
Primary Location: Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior Optical Engineer in Edinburgh employer: 慨正橡扯
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Edinburgh. As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge defence technologies but also benefit from extensive employee growth opportunities, including professional development and training in advanced optical systems. Our commitment to inclusion and hybrid working ensures a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optical Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company or in the industry. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the projects mentioned in the job description. Show us your passion for the DragonFire programme or the Global Combat Air Programme, and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in our minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optical Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Optical Engineer role. Highlight your experience with optical systems, lens design, and any relevant software tools like ZEMAX or CodeV. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about working on projects like DragonFire or GCAP. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention any challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. We love candidates who can think critically and innovate, especially when it comes to developing new technologies.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Optical Stuff
Brush up on classical optics principles and be ready to discuss your experience with lens design and optical analysis tools like ZEMAX or CodeV. Make sure you can explain how you've applied these skills in past projects, especially in developing optical-mechanical systems.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in optical system verification or stray light analysis. Be specific about the methods you used and the outcomes you achieved. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and innovate in complex situations.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the flagship programmes mentioned in the job description, like DragonFire and GCAP. Being able to discuss how your role as a Senior Optical Engineer fits into these projects will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company's mission.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, think about how you can contribute to a team environment. Prepare to discuss your experiences working in project teams, how you’ve managed work packages, and how you engage with procurement for supplier quality issues.
