Senior Optical Engineer

Our Client is a space-focused technology company specialising in in-orbit optical systems. They design and develop high-precision optical hardware that helps push performance boundaries in demanding operational environments. This is a collaborative, engineering-led organisation with a strong hands-on culture. You'll be working alongside experienced technical teams across optics, systems, mechanical, electronics and software-where problem-solving, practical testing and continuous improvement are part of everyday work.

Our Client is expanding and strengthening its optical engineering capability to support ongoing development, verification and integration of existing optical products, while also contributing to new design work. As a Senior Optical Engineer, you'll play a key technical role-from concept and modelling through to test execution and delivery of flight-ready hardware. This is an individual contributor position with significant technical ownership, including guiding integration and mentoring technicians during hands-on activities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of optical systems and components from early concept through to flight-ready hardware
• Lead hands-on laboratory testing, including alignment, integration and optical assembly characterisation
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance during integration and test activities
• Design and execute experimental set-ups and test procedures, integrating instrumentation and control using Python or other scripting tools
• Use optical design software to model, analyse and optimise system performance, and correlate optical models with measured results
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (optics, mechanical, electronics, systems and software) to ensure smooth subsystem integration
• Produce clear documentation, including design records, test plans and test outcomes, aligned with relevant engineering expectations
• Support optical component suppliers through technical discussions, drawing reviews, specification development for quotations, and incoming quality checks
• Assist with environmental test activities (such as vibration and thermal vacuum) and subsequent performance verification
• Contribute to the development of new optical systems and support the provision of test equipment for product development

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of physical optics
• Proven optical engineering experience, particularly lab-based system testing and integration
• Practical, hands-on experience with optical alignment and optical testing/characterisation equipment
• Knowledge of optical component manufacturing processes and practical constraints
• Strong working knowledge of optical design software (including Zemax)
• Experience scripting with Python (or Matlab) to automate tests, control equipment, or analyse data
• Ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems and work independently to deliver results
• Clear communication skills, including the confidence to explain technical concepts to engineers and stakeholders

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with custom optical assemblies, lens systems, optical mounts, or optomechanical design
• Familiarity with long-wave infrared (approximately 8-13 microns) optics and sensors
• Experience with tolerance analysis and understanding of thermal/mechanical effects on optical performance
• Knowledge of laboratory automation, data acquisition systems, or control electronics
• Experience with vibration, shock and thermal-vacuum testing of optical systems
• Aware of relevant engineering standards such as ECSS or ISO (or equivalent)
• Exposure to public sector or grant-funded delivery environments
• A strong interest in the space sector or adjacent advanced technology domains

If you're an experienced optical engineer who enjoys hands-on lab work, can take technical ownership, and is comfortable working at pace in a cross-disciplinary environment, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your CV for consideration.