At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative optical design projects and guide a dynamic team in cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join G&H, a global leader in photonics with over 75 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Be part of a thriving community with opportunities for career growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Collaborate in a vibrant tech cluster and engage in hands-on prototype development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of light-based technologies and contribute to world-class engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree or PhD in Engineering/Physics with experience in fibre-optics and team leadership.
Full-time Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader - Optics and Fibre Optics R&D
Location: Torquay, UK
Join a World Leader in Photonics, part of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster. Shape the Future of Light-Based Technologies.
G&H is a global leader in optical design, testing and manufacturing. For more than 75 years, we’ve been at the forefront of photonics innovation—designing and delivering optical systems, assemblies and components for the world’s most demanding applications. Our technologies are trusted everywhere from the deepest oceans to space.
At our Torquay site, you’ll be part of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster—a vibrant community of photonics and microelectronics companies driving breakthrough innovation in the South Devon region. This is where world-class engineering meets real-world impact.
We’re now looking for a Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader to join our Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team and help shape the next generation of fibre-optic technologies. Current programmes include high-power fibre-optic amplifier sub-systems for free-space optical communications, aerospace & defence, and remote sensing.
Responsibilities:
- Lead technical development, guide a small team, and stay hands-on with design, prototype build, testing and customer engagement.
- Lead and manage small project teams to deliver on time and within budget.
- Work closely with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Take an active role in prototype build and assembly, including fibre-optic splicing, mechanical/electrical assembly and opto-electronic testing.
- Build strong internal networks across G&H’s global technical and commercial teams.
Requirements:
- Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with an optics, photonics or fibre-optics focus.
- Commercial experience developing fibre-optic or laser products.
- Hands-on experience building and testing fibre-optic components, systems or opto-electronic modules.
- Team leadership or project management experience.
- Ability to generate proposals and manage both technical and financial aspects of development projects.
Be part of a globally recognised photonics leader with a 75-year heritage. Join a thriving local cluster of high-tech innovators in Torbay. Contribute to products that are marketed worldwide and shape future industries.
In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.
The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.
All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed.
Optical Systems Engineer - Senior employer: Gooch
G&H is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and hands-on experience in cutting-edge optical technologies, while contributing to impactful projects that reach global markets. With over 75 years of heritage in photonics, G&H provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of light-based technologies alongside a talented team of engineers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Systems Engineer - Senior
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Optical Systems Engineer - Senior role you’re after at Gooch.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Gooch.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Optical Systems Engineer - Senior
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Optical Systems Engineer - Senior, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Gooch a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Gooch specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gooch
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Gooch, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Gooch want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
