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 free snacks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for creativity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in Physics or related field; hands-on optical system 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.
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 is a plus.
- Experience maturing prototypes toward production (DfX, manufacturability, reliability), and mentoring junior engineers/scientists is advantageous.
- 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.
What we value:
- A Be Kind attitude is the main guideline within iLoF.
- 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!
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 🧑⚕️. We share a passion for being part of a mission that matters, and we are always looking for curious and collaborative people who share our values and want to be part of our journey.
If that sounds like a fit for you, click the apply button and join us. You’ve read all this way but you’re missing a skill or two? No problem, it’s our job to upskill you to take your career to the next level. What we’re trying to say is, don’t be afraid to apply if you don’t tick all the boxes.
Optical Instrumentation Engineer - Spectroscopy & HealthTech employer: Ilof Intelligent Lab On Fiber
iLoF is an innovative deep-tech startup based in London, dedicated to revolutionising personalized medicine through cutting-edge optical instrumentation. With a vibrant work culture that promotes creativity and collaboration, employees enjoy flexible working hours, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful advancements in healthcare. Join a passionate team committed to making a difference in the lives of millions, all within a supportive and dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Ilof Intelligent Lab On Fiber Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Instrumentation Engineer - Spectroscopy & HealthTech
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to optical instrumentation and spectroscopy. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and practical scenarios related to optical systems. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in a collaborative environment like ours.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Instrumentation Engineer - Spectroscopy & HealthTech
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for optical instrumentation and health tech shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and our mission to revolutionise personalised medicine!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in spectroscopy and optical systems. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do, so don’t hold back on showcasing your hands-on prototyping and system integration expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ilof Intelligent Lab On Fiber
✨Know Your Spectroscopy Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Raman, FTIR, and fluorescence instrumentation. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or built these systems, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on experience with optical systems. Bring examples of your work, whether it's prototypes or design files, and be ready to talk about the practical aspects of system assembly and calibration.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role requires cross-functional collaboration, so think of examples where you've worked closely with scientists or engineers. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and how you’ve contributed to team success in past projects.
✨Embrace the Startup Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you thrive in fast-paced environments. Share experiences that showcase your resourcefulness and adaptability, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a mission-driven team focused on revolutionising healthcare.
