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: Permanent contract, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team and enhance your skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking projects like the UK's first Laser Directed Energy Weapon.
- 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 — Hybrid, 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 programmes. Our commitment to inclusion ensures a welcoming environment where every team member can thrive while working on impactful projects like the UK's first Laser Directed Energy Weapon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optical Engineer — Hybrid, Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's projects, especially those related to optical engineering. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do, like the DragonFire programme!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with tools like ZEMAX or CodeV. We want to see how you approach problem-solving and your thought process behind designing optical systems.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optical Engineer — Hybrid, 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 projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications—show us how you’ve applied them! Mention specific tools like ZEMAX or CodeV that you’ve used in your work. We love seeing practical examples of your expertise.
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. Let us know what drives your passion for optical engineering and how you can contribute to our team.
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
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 your previous projects, especially those involving optical-mechanical systems. Highlight any new product development experiences and how you tackled challenges in system verification or performance testing. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be working in a collaborative environment, think about examples where you've successfully worked in a team. Discuss how you’ve developed work packages or engaged with procurement to solve supplier issues. This shows you’re a team player who can contribute to the collective success of the project.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the flagship programmes mentioned, like DragonFire and GCAP. Being able to discuss how your role as a Senior Optical Engineer fits into these larger projects will impress the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
