Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative concept development for next-gen optical and digital imaging systems.
- Company: World-leading designer of high-precision optical and metrology systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 24 days leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology with creative freedom and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and 5+ years in R&D or advanced engineering.
- Other info: Dynamic role with international travel and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Surrey, UK (Woking) or Ilmenau, Germany
Salary: €70,000 per annum (Germany) | £60,615 per annum (UK equivalent)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Industry: Optical Engineering | Imaging Systems | Metrology | R&D | Innovation
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Lead Concept Engineer to join our Imaging, Metrology & Visualisation Systems Division at either our Surrey (UK) Global HQ or our Ilmenau (Germany) development hub. This is a senior R&D role focused on early-stage concept development, system innovation, and proof-of-concept prototyping for next-generation optical and digital imaging systems. You will play a pivotal role in shaping future product strategy by transforming emerging technologies into validated system concepts that progress toward market-ready solutions. If you are passionate about optics, system-level engineering, prototyping, and technical innovation, this role offers genuine freedom to create and influence product direction.
Reporting to: Head of Concept Development
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the creation of innovative concepts for next-generation optical, digital and metrology imaging systems
- Drive system-level thinking to support Group technology and product strategy
- Design, build and test mock-ups and breadboard prototypes
- Validate early-stage design concepts and system interactions
- Conduct competitive analysis and technology benchmarking
- Identify and integrate emerging technologies into future product roadmaps
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary internal teams (optics, electronics, software, mechanical)
- Define and align technical specifications with external technology partners
- Manage concept development projects, reporting milestones and risks to senior leadership
This is a high-impact innovation role with visibility across the organisation.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in:
- Optical Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Optoelectronics
- Image processing
- Metrology systems
- Mechatronic systems
Desirable Skills
- Cross-disciplinary system integration experience
- Knowledge of ergonomic design principles
- Experience working with external technology partners
- Structured project leadership in innovation environments
Personal Attributes
- Creative, innovative and commercially aware
- Strategic and structured problem solver
- Hands-on and technically curious
- Strong communicator across disciplines
- Self-motivated with initiative
- Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders
Location & Travel
Based in either Surrey, UK (Woking) or Ilmenau, Germany. International travel required occasionally. Germany-based candidates must be willing to travel regularly to the UK Global HQ.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: €70,000 per annum (Germany) | £60,615 per annum (UK equivalent)
- Annual production bonus (approx. 2% of basic salary)
- Private pension scheme (UK)
- Private medical insurance
- Health cash plan
- Life assurance (2x basic salary)
- 24 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Well-funded staff development programme
- Dedicated training and development team
- Access to fully equipped optical labs, prototyping facilities and advanced software tools
- Opportunity to influence patented, market-leading technology
About Us
We are a world-leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision optical, digital and metrology systems, operating at the premium end of the market. With over 250 employees globally and £38M annual turnover, we design and manufacture patented ergonomic instrumentation used across:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electronics manufacturing
- Precision engineering
- Medical device manufacturing
- Robotics and research sectors
Our 85,000 sq. ft purpose-built Global HQ in Surrey houses state-of-the-art R&D labs, optical benches, prototyping facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations. We also operate internationally across Europe, North America and Asia.
Concept Engineer in Send employer: Inception Pro Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Inception Pro Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Concept Engineer in Send
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the optical engineering field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Lead Concept Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some prototyping projects! Whether it's a personal project or a collaboration, showcasing your hands-on experience in creating mock-ups and breadboard prototypes will make you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a job that excites you, take the time to research the company and its products. Mention specific projects or technologies in your conversations to show your genuine interest and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative team in shaping the future of optical systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Concept Engineer in Send
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Concept Engineer role. Highlight your experience in optical systems, prototyping, and any relevant R&D projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about optics and innovation. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving skills. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with engineering tools like CREO or Zemax. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve used these tools in your previous roles, so be specific about your contributions and outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inception Pro Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of optical systems and the latest technologies in imaging and metrology. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with prototyping and breadboarding, as this will show your practical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Lead Concept Engineer, creativity is key! Prepare examples of innovative concepts you've developed in the past. Think about how you transformed ideas into proof-of-concept prototypes and be ready to share your thought process during the interview.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, so highlight your collaboration skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with optics, electronics, and software teams in previous projects. Share specific instances where your communication made a difference.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's product strategy and future innovations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.