Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup
Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup

Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup

Slough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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.
  • 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.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth and creativity.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Hello!

We\’re looking for an awesome Optical Instrumentation Engineer to join our team on our journey to revolutionize personalized medicine.

  • 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).
  • Plus: Familiarity with optical & mechanical CAD (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks/Onshape) and tolerance analysis.
  • Plus: 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.

Cultural Skills ✔️

  • 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.

iLoF in a nutshell

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.

Thanks to our proprietary optical fingerprint library of disease biomarkers and biological profiles we can offer personalized patient screening and stratification in a faster and more affordable way, saving up to 40% of the cost and 70% of the time while enabling a more human patient experience.

Supported by leading institutions like Microsoft Ventures, Mayfield, and the Oxford University, iLoF is currently focusing on validating its platform technology in one of the biggest challenges of our times: Alzheimer\’s, while maintaining ongoing verticals on Digestive Cancer, Stroke, and Infectious diseases.

Our Team

Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup employer: iLoF

iLoF is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in London that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, employees benefit from flexible working hours, private healthcare, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in personalized medicine. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in healthcare while enjoying a supportive culture that values kindness and teamwork.
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Contact Detail:

iLoF Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 projects and prototypes. This is especially important for roles like Optical Instrumentation Engineer where hands-on experience speaks volumes.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions related to optics and instrumentation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.

✨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.

We think you need these skills to ace Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup

Optical Instrumentation Design
Hands-on Prototyping
Systems Integration
Testing and Validation
Data Analysis
Technical Guidance in Spectroscopy
Documentation and Knowledge Transfer
Cross-functional Collaboration
Lab Safety and Compliance
Raman Spectroscopy
FTIR Spectroscopy
Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Opto-mechanics
Data Acquisition and Control (Python/Matlab/C++/LabVIEW)
Optical and Mechanical CAD (Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks/Onshape)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for optical instrumentation and personalized medicine shine through. We want to see your excitement about the role and how it aligns with our mission at iLoF!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in designing and building optical systems. We love seeing how your skills match up with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on those specifics!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read and understand. 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 this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

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 technical expertise.

✨Show Off Your Prototyping Skills

Prepare to talk about your prototyping experiences. Highlight any challenges you faced in optical/mechanical design and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness, which are key in a fast-paced startup environment.

✨Collaboration is Key

Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, think of examples where you've worked with scientists, data scientists, or QA teams. Emphasise your low-ego approach and how you elevate team dynamics, as this aligns with the company culture.

✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect some deep technical questions related to optics and systems integration. Brush up on your knowledge of CAD tools and data acquisition software. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.

Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup
iLoF
Location: Slough

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  • Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics | HealthTech | Deep Tech Startup

    Slough
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.)
  • I

    iLoF

    50-100
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