Principal Optical Engineer in Edinburgh

Your impact

Are you an Optical Engineer who would relish the opportunity to work on one of our flagship programmes, such as DragonFire: the UK’s first Laser Directed Energy Weapon, or the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP): to deliver the next-generation of threat‑defeat technology or advancing the technology of our world‑leading targeting lasers? We’re currently seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to join our Advanced Targeting Sector in Edinburgh. Your focus will be on rigorous modelling of novel concepts, technology maturation, precision alignment during integration, and system‑level verification. By accepting this challenge, you will have the chance to contribute directly to sovereign defence technologies that enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments, while collaborating with a growing team of experienced optical designers.

Your responsibilities would include:

• Development of Optical-Mechanical concepts; including system architecture definition, develop lens designs, carry out analysis and performance simulations.
• Providing capability in modelling or designing imaging lenses and optical systems using appropriate commercial tools such as ZEMAX OpticStudio, CodeV or equivalent.
• Development of test processes for Engineering and/or Technicians to build and align the next generation of electro-optical systems.
• Develop and support system verification processes to ensure these electro-optical systems meet both performance and safety requirements.
• Investigate new technologies and engineering capabilities to address emerging business opportunities.
• Develop work packages to scope milestones and deliverables within a project team environment and demonstrate ownership of those work packages.
• Engaging with procurement to identify new suppliers or support supplier quality issues.

What you’ll bring:

• Classical optics principles, demonstrated through relevant graduate-level qualifications.
• Techniques for Lens Design and Optical Analysis using appropriate commercial tools such as Ansys OpticStudio, CodeV, Fred or equivalent.
• Experience of new product development of a product which includes an optical-mechanical system.
• Development or verification of an Infrared Optical Systems or multi-waveband optical system.
• Methods used to investigate optical transmission or reflectance of different optical coatings.
• Methods used for Stray light analysis and control.
• Optical techniques for measuring and transmitted wavefront error.
• Optical design of fiber to free-space optics.
• Experience designing across a range of temperatures and environments.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a passion for optical design and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo, we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now!