At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative optical instruments for personalised medicine.
- Company: Join iLoF, a leading AI-driven health tech company transforming healthcare.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, remote work, private healthcare, and weekly happy hours.
- Other info: Dynamic startup culture with opportunities for creativity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare with cutting-edge technology and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in Physics or related field; hands-on experience in optical systems.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup
Full‑time
Responsibilities
- System design & assembly: design, build, align, and calibrate novel optical analytical instruments (e.g., Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, scattering) from concept to validation.
- Hands‑on prototyping: solve optical/mechanical design challenges, design custom components and fixtures, and iterate rapidly to meet performance targets.
- Systems integration: integrate optics with detectors, light sources, motion, electronics, fluidics, and software control to deliver functional prototypes.
- Testing & validation: plan and execute experiments; analyze data to troubleshoot and optimise SNR, resolution, stability, dynamic range; verify compliance with 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, test reports; ensure reproducibility; support IP filings and hand‑off to manufacturing.
- Cross‑functional collaboration: work with scientists, assay developers, data scientists, QA/RA to meet biological, analytical, regulatory needs.
- Safety & compliance: uphold lab/laser safety; support design controls aligned with ISO 13485 and related standards.
- Innovation: track advances in spectroscopy/optics; prototype new architectures to extend platform capability.
Qualifications
- 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, and scattering instrumentation.
- Strong hands‑on skills in opto‑mechanics, precision alignment, stray‑light control, thermal and vibration management.
- Experience with data acquisition & control (Python, Matlab, C++, LabVIEW, pyVISA, motion stages/controllers).
- Familiarity with optical & mechanical CAD (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, signal processing, statistics.
- Builder’s mindset: hands‑on, resourceful, relentless about quality.
- Low‑ego collaborator who elevates multidisciplinary team.
- Mission‑driven and comfortable with fast‑paced startup environment.
Benefits
- Private healthcare insurance (for employees; contractor benefits to be agreed).
- Free coffee and snacks.
- Weekly happy hours with food and drinks.
- Flexible working hours; strong remote work culture.
- Opportunity to work with world‑class team and contribute to transformative healthcare technology.
Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | AI | Photonics |[...] employer: iLoF
iLoF is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about advancing biomedical science through data. Employees benefit from hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and rigorous execution. Located in a fast-paced startup setting, iLoF offers the unique advantage of being at the forefront of scientific discovery while supporting personal and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | AI | Photonics |[...]
✨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, prototypes, or any hands-on work you've done. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in optical instrumentation and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to spectroscopy and optical systems. Practice explaining your past projects and how they relate to the role you’re applying for—confidence is key!
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team at iLoF.
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | AI | Photonics |[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Optical Instrumentation Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience with optical systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about personalized medicine and how your background in optics/photonics makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention specific tools and technologies you’ve used, like Python or SolidWorks, and any hands-on prototyping experience. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our innovative team at iLoF. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at iLoF
✨Know Your Optics 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 optical systems, as this will show your hands-on experience and deep understanding of the field.
✨Show Off Your Prototyping Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on prototyping experiences. Think of examples where you solved optical or mechanical design challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your builder's mindset and resourcefulness.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, think of times when you've worked with scientists, data scientists, or QA teams. Highlight how you contributed to team success and how you can elevate a multidisciplinary team with your low-ego approach.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to system integration and testing. Brush up on your knowledge of data acquisition and control tools like Python or LabVIEW. Being able to discuss how you troubleshoot and optimise performance metrics will set you apart.
