At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative optical instruments for personalised medicine.
- Company: Join a leading deep-tech startup transforming healthcare with AI.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, remote work, private healthcare, and weekly happy hours.
- Other info: Dynamic, creative environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in relevant field and 3+ years of industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Hello! We're looking for an awesome Optical Instrumentation Engineer to join our team on our journey to revolutionize personalized medicine.
Responsibilities:
- System design & assembly: Personally design, build, align, and calibrate novel optical analytical instruments (e.g., Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, scattering) from concept and component selection through to bench assembly and validation.
- Hands‑on prototyping: Solve optical/mechanical design challenges, design custom components/fixtures, and iterate rapidly to hit performance targets.
- Systems integration: Integrate optics with detectors/light sources, motion/actuation, electronics, fluidics, and software control to deliver fully functional prototypes.
- Testing & validation: Plan and execute experiments; analyze data to troubleshoot and optimize SNR, resolution, stability, dynamic range; own verification against specifications.
- Technical guidance: Serve as in‑house subject‑matter expert for spectroscopy—advise on component selection (gratings, filters, objectives, fibers, detectors), system architecture, and experimental methodology.
- Documentation & knowledge transfer: Maintain design files, BOMs, alignment procedures, and test reports; ensure reproducibility; support IP filings and hand‑off to manufacturing.
- Cross‑functional collaboration: Work closely with scientists, assay developers, data scientists, and QA/RA to ensure instruments meet biological, analytical, and regulatory needs.
- Safety & compliance: Uphold lab/laser safety; support design controls and documentation aligned with ISO 13485 (and related standards when in scope).
- Innovation: Track advances in spectroscopy/optics; prototype and evaluate new architectures to push platform capability.
This role is based in London and collaborates with teams in the UK and abroad.
Qualifications:
- An advanced degree (PhD or exceptional MSc) in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Nanoscience, or related engineering field.
- 3+ years industry experience designing, building, and operating complex optical systems from scratch in a lab environment.
- Deep, practical knowledge of Raman/FTIR/fluorescence/scattering instrumentation and how to build/align such systems.
- Strong hands‑on skills in opto‑mechanics, precision alignment, stray‑light control, and thermal/vibration management.
- Experience with data acquisition & control (e.g., Python/Matlab/C++/LabVIEW, pyVISA; motion stages/controllers).
- Familiarity with optical & mechanical CAD (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks/Onshape) and tolerance analysis.
- Experience maturing prototypes toward production (DfX, manufacturability, reliability), and mentoring junior engineers/scientists.
- Advantageous: fiber optics, micro‑optics, microfluidics, laser safety, electronics, and signal processing/statistics.
Personal Attributes:
- Builder’s mindset: hands‑on, resourceful, and relentless about quality.
- Low‑ego collaborator who elevates a multidisciplinary team.
- Mission‑driven and patient‑centered, comfortable in a fast‑paced startup.
About iLoF:
As personalized medicine becomes the norm, scientists, patients, and healthcare systems worldwide face massive barriers in providing the right treatment to the right patient. Recognized by CB Insights and Financial Times as one of the most promising Digital Health companies in the world, iLoF is building an AI-powered platform capable of transforming precision medicine. Our goal is to become the platform that democratizes access to personalized medicine for millions of people living with complex diseases around the globe.
What we value:
- A Be Kind attitude is the main guideline within iLoF.
- A hand in the hammer and another free to support your co-workers as a true team player.
- An honest and egoless attitude towards discussions and critics working in good faith.
- The braveness to speak your heart in any situation.
- Through words or actions be always sure to make a difference at any moment!
- Be proud to drive your responsibilities to success and help others do the same, embracing ownership!
Benefits:
- An exciting future with a deep-tech company selected by Financial Times and CB Insights as one of the most transformative companies in the world.
- A high‑paced, flexible environment: adaptable working hours, strong remote work culture.
- A stimulating atmosphere with room for creativity – fast‑paced, fun, and energetic start‑up with a friendly culture.
- Weekly happy hours with amazing food and drinks.
- Free coffee and snacks ☕.
- Private healthcare insurance (for employees; contractor benefits to be agreed).
- The opportunity to work with a world‑class, talented team – and potentially change healthcare as we know it for millions of patients living with complex diseases around the globe.
Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics[...] in London employer: Ilof Intelligent Lab On Fiber
iLoF is an innovative deep-tech startup based in London, dedicated to revolutionising personalised medicine through cutting-edge optical instrumentation. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and creativity, employees enjoy a flexible work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact in healthcare. The company fosters a supportive culture that values kindness, teamwork, and ownership, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about transforming lives through technology.
Contact Details:
Ilof Intelligent Lab On Fiber Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics[...] in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars related to optical instrumentation and spectroscopy. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your hands-on projects, prototypes, and any cool optical systems you've designed. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each company. Research their projects and values, and mention how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and not just sending out generic applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in our hiring process. So, don’t hesitate – hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics[...] in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Optical Instrumentation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with optical systems, spectroscopy, and any hands-on prototyping you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for personalized medicine and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love seeing technical skills in action! Include examples of your experience with CAD software, data acquisition, and any relevant programming languages. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at iLoF!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ilof Intelligent Lab On Fiber
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of optical instrumentation, especially Raman, FTIR, and fluorescence systems. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and how you've tackled design challenges in the past.
✨Show Off Your Prototyping Skills
Prepare to talk about specific projects where you've designed and built prototypes. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you iterated on designs to meet performance targets. Bring examples or even a portfolio if you can!
✨Collaboration is Key
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Discuss how you communicate technical concepts to non-technical team members and how you’ve contributed to cross-functional projects.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with lab safety protocols and ISO 13485 standards. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety and compliance in your work, as this is crucial in a health-tech environment. Showing that you prioritise safety will definitely impress your interviewers.
