Sr Advanced Optical Engineer in Edinburgh

Sr Advanced Optical Engineer in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop advanced optical systems for cutting-edge space programmes.
  • Company: Join a leading company at the forefront of space and photonics technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and innovative projects.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting field of space and secure communications.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Optical Engineering or related field; experience with optical systems required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Sr Advanced Optical Engineer to join our team as a Ground Segment Engineer in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, supporting the development, integration, and operation of advanced optical ground systems. This role focuses on optical telescope systems and their associated backend infrastructure, with opportunities to contribute to cutting‑edge programmes at the intersection of space, photonics, and secure communications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, development, and integration of optical ground segment systems, including optical telescopes and associated opto‑mechanical subsystems.
  • Definition and management of optical system requirements, interfaces, and performance budgets.
  • Support backend systems associated with optical payloads, including detectors, control electronics, data acquisition, and signal processing chains.
  • Participation in system‑level activities including trade studies, design reviews, verification, and validation.
  • Development and execution of test and calibration procedures for optical ground equipment.
  • Support commissioning and operational activities, including troubleshooting and performance optimisation.
  • Collaboration with software, systems, and operations engineers to ensure end‑to‑end system performance.

Key Skills and Qualifications

  • Degree (or higher) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Astronomy, or a related discipline.
  • Practical experience with optical telescope systems, such as alignment, characterisation, and performance analysis.
  • Strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentals, including imaging systems, detectors, and optical propagation.
  • Experience working on ground segment or laboratory‑based optical systems.
  • Familiarity with backend elements such as sensors, readout electronics, timing, data handling, or control systems.
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary engineering environment and contribute to technical documentation.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience with quantum photonics or quantum‑enabled optical systems (e.g. single‑photon sources/detectors, quantum communications, or QKD‑related systems).
  • Knowledge of free‑space optical links or atmospheric optics.
  • Exposure to space or aerospace programmes and relevant engineering lifecycle standards.
  • Experience with modelling, simulation, or data analysis tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, optical design software such as Zemax).

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Sr Advanced Optical Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Honeywell Aerospace Technologies

Join our innovative team in Edinburgh as a Sr Advanced Optical Engineer, where you'll be at the forefront of developing advanced optical ground systems for space applications. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and offers unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies in photonics and secure communications. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure a supportive environment where every employee can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects.

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Contact Details:

Honeywell Aerospace Technologies Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sr Advanced Optical Engineer in Edinburgh

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies for a Sr Advanced Optical Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Sr Advanced Optical Engineer in Edinburgh

Optical Engineering
Photonics
Optical Telescope Systems
Opto-Mechanical Subsystems
Optical System Requirements Management
Data Acquisition
Signal Processing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Honeywell Aerospace Technologies love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.