At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge optical communication systems for the UK's Defence Industry.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in innovative defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with international partners and work on complex engineering challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security with your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Strong background in engineering, physics, or maths; experience in optical labs preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the UKs Defence Industry and making impactful change? Leonardo has a fantastic opportunity for an Engineer to work on the modelling of airborne Free Space Optical Communication systems. You will be working on real Engineering problems, designing and developing solutions that sit at the heart of our products.
What you’ll do:
- Build an optical laboratory for investigating the performance of optical communication systems
- Build and maintain MATLAB models of optical-based airborne communication systems
- Investigate new approaches to achieve the customer’s requirements
- Guide the development of free-space optical communication systems
- Discuss the experiments and results internally and with external stakeholders including customers, external partners and subcontractors
- Work cooperatively with subcontractors and international partners to achieve a common solution
- Assemble, integrate and test subsystems
- Provide input to a proposal to create an internationally recognised standard for Optical Communications
Qualifications:
- Successful candidates will have a strong technical background in an engineering, physics or maths-based subject.
- Lasers
- Modulators
- Detectors
- Optical Amplifiers
- Wavelength filters
- Polarisation controllers
- Experience working in an optical laboratory, ideally with experience in aligning free‑space setups and coupling into optical fibres.
- Experience with model development in a high-level programming language.
- The ability to perform rigorous analysis independently and confidently present the results internally and externally.
Desired knowledge/experience:
- MATLAB
- Software engineering techniques, such as test development and version control (git)
- Laboratory automation
- Digital Modulation, Channel coding, and other aspects of the physical layer of a communication system
- Assessing the performance of optical communication systems considering the SNR, BER and bandwidth limitations
- Development of free-space optical communication systems for deployment in field environments
- Resiliency strategies and techniques in free-space optical communications
- Working as a member of a large team in developing complex engineered systems
- Understanding of the optomechanical considerations for field deployment of optical systems
Security clearance:
Successful candidates will be UK nationals. 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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
For more information and guidance please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Primary Location: GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer in Southampton employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Southampton where innovation meets the UK's Defence Industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through hands-on projects and collaboration with international partners. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to impactful engineering ensures that your contributions will make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. Make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with optical systems and MATLAB models. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and interests, like Leonardo. Use our website to find roles that excite you and tailor your approach to each application.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which we really appreciate at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer. Highlight your experience with optical systems, MATLAB modelling, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in engineering and physics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about contributing to the UK Defence Industry and how your background aligns with the job description. Be specific about your experiences with optical communication systems.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical skills in lasers, modulators, and optical amplifiers. Mention any hands-on experience you have in an optical lab, as well as your familiarity with software engineering techniques like version control.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate to take that step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around lasers, modulators, and optical amplifiers. Be ready to discuss your experience in an optical lab and how you've tackled real engineering problems in the past.
✨Show Off Your MATLAB Skills
Since you'll be building and maintaining MATLAB models, it’s crucial to demonstrate your proficiency. Prepare to talk about specific projects where you've used MATLAB for model development and how you approached problem-solving.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to discuss experiments and results with various stakeholders, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated technical information to non-technical audiences.
✨Team Player Mindset
Leonardo values collaboration, so be prepared to share experiences where you worked effectively within a team. Highlight any international partnerships or subcontractor collaborations you've been involved in, showcasing your ability to achieve common goals.
