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- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge optical systems for innovative medical technology.
- Company: Exciting early-stage start-up in Oxford focused on transforming healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to lead engineering teams.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team tackling antibiotic resistance with groundbreaking technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Physics or Engineering with experience in optical systems and prototyping.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an early-stage start-up based in Oxford who have good funding, working on building a rapid platform that identifies microbes and their antimicrobial profiles directly from clinical samples. This innovative technology will enable transformative change in the fight against sepsis and antibiotic resistance. They are growing an amazing multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and innovators to bring the technology to market.
Currently searching for an experienced Optical Systems Engineer (open to senior title) who may grow into a Head of the Engineering department in the future. The successful candidate will work alongside the existing team, helping deliver systems from prototypes through to robust, manufacturable hardware for clinical use.
Key responsibilities:- Design and transfer to manufacturing of an embedded Raman microscope system.
- Design compact, rigid, and stable assemblies for Electro-Optical subsystems.
- Support the integration and testing of Electro-Optical / Imaging Systems.
- Translate breadboard and concept designs into detailed system requirements and designs.
- Apply DFM (Design for Manufacture) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles to support prototyping and manufacturing.
- Design and operation of test rigs.
- Design and documentation of assembly rigs and tooling.
- Optimize optical path lengths and improve mechanical stability and vibration performance.
- Contribute to system architecture and optimisation.
- Contribute to engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
- Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations.
- Support regulatory and quality processes (e.g., ISO 13485 readiness, design traceability).
- Conduct system optical performance analysis / simulations including stray light analysis.
- Ensure quality and consistency of detailed design, including numerical calculations, tolerance and thermal analysis, etc.
- Involvement in reviews of optical designs in accordance with business and industry standards and knowledge of ISO10110.
- BEng or MEng in Physics or Engineering, with a relevant engineering background in optical sensors, diagnostics, or lab instrumentation design.
- Experience in rapid prototyping with optical systems.
- Experience in free-space optical system engineering.
- Hands-on experience in designing and engineering an optical system with laser alignment and coupling at micron spot size.
- Understanding of vibration damping, mechanical stability, and alignment techniques.
- Excellent planning and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of organization.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The role involves daily interaction with a multi-disciplinary team of stakeholders.
- A proven understanding of classical optics principles and lasers.
- Experience with modelling geometric optics with optical modelling software – such as Zemax, FRED, CODE V.
- Experience in design and implementation of Raman microscopy or similar spectroscopy solutions.
- Experience of integrating an optical system with sample presentation systems, such as microfluidics, autoloaders, or robotic handling systems.
- Experience of in vitro medical device (IVD) development working under ISO:13485 quality management systems.
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar) and 2D drawing creation with tolerancing.
- Familiarity with FEA, thermal simulation, or vibration analysis tools.
- Project leadership and/or experience of taking products from concept through to commercialisation.
Senior Optical Engineer in Oxford employer: CT19
Contact Detail:
CT19 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optical Engineer in Oxford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to showcase your hands-on experience with optical systems. Bring examples of your work, like prototypes or designs, to demonstrate your expertise. We want to see your passion and problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Don’t just apply to every job you see. Focus on roles that match your skills and interests, like the Senior Optical Engineer position. We recommend personalising your pitch to highlight how your background aligns with their needs—this shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We’ve got a fantastic platform for job applications, so make sure to use it! Applying through our website not only streamlines the process but also gives you access to exclusive features and advice tailored to your career path.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optical Engineer in Oxford
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, rapid prototyping, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in designing and engineering optical systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for innovation in the life sciences and how your background aligns with our mission to combat sepsis and antibiotic resistance.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with tools like SolidWorks and any optical modelling software you’ve used. We want to see your technical prowess shine through in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our innovative team.
How to prepare for a job interview at CT19
✨Know Your Optical Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of optical systems, especially those related to Raman microscopy and free-space optics. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with laser alignment and coupling, as well as any projects where you've applied DFM and DFA principles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your planning and problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in designing and testing optical systems, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Since the role involves working under ISO:13485 quality management systems, it’s crucial to understand these standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects and how you would approach regulatory processes in this new role.
✨Engage with the Multi-Disciplinary Team
This position requires daily interaction with a diverse team, so be ready to showcase your interpersonal skills. Think of ways to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with scientists and engineers from different backgrounds.