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: Collaborate with a dynamic team and explore exciting career paths in Edinburgh.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working on groundbreaking projects.
- Qualifications: Graduate-level qualifications in optics and experience in optical system design.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ 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 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 hybrid working arrangements. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of advanced targeting systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or alumni from your university who work in the defence sector. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can discuss your experience with optical systems and tools like ZEMAX or CodeV confidently. We want to see your passion for optics shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work, especially any optical-mechanical systems you've developed. This will help us visualise your capabilities and how you can contribute to our flagship programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optical Engineer
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 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 passionate 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 Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise! Whether it's modelling, system verification, or developing test processes, we want to know how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about the tools and methods you've used in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Optical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on classical optics principles and the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like ZEMAX OpticStudio or CodeV. Be ready to discuss your experience with lens design and optical analysis, as this will show you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects where you've developed optical-mechanical systems or worked on new product development. Highlight your role in these projects, especially any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ownership of work packages.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the flagship programmes mentioned, like DragonFire and GCAP. Being able to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these projects will show your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the company's mission.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to stray light analysis, optical coatings, and wavefront error measurement. Practise explaining these concepts clearly and concisely, as this will help you convey your expertise effectively during the interview.
