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- Tasks: Join us as an Optical Engineer to develop cutting-edge laser processing technology.
- Company: Opsydia is a pioneering laser tech company spun out from the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private medical insurance, and 25 days paid leave plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team driving innovation in photonics with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in photonics or related fields; hands-on experience with optical systems is essential.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for further study and volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 £ per year.
Are you the next Optical or Senior Optical Engineer to drive forward our next-generation laser processing platform? If so, Opsydia would love to hear from you as we progress into new markets and opportunities.
Spun out from the University of Oxford in 2017, Opsydia is a specialist laser technology company harnessing decades of academic excellence and experience in adaptive optics that enable the writing of features in transparent materials. Our writing technology has gone on to provide functionalities across many scientific and industrial areas.
Our technology provides a platform for functional devices in transparent materials such as optical glass and diamond, with several disruptive applications ranging from datacoms, quantum to sensing devices.
THE ROLE
As an Optical Engineer, you will contribute to systems development for new and existing products, working closely with systems, mechanical and application engineers to realise the full potential in a wide range of photonic applications.
You will be working on early-stage research and development projects and have the opportunity to interact with customers, our academic founders, and the early adopters of our technology. This is a broad-scope role from ideation to real product deployment.
Across internal R&D and external customer projects in all application areas, you will:-
- Work with femtosecond lasers to develop direct laser writing processes for existing and new systems. This will include, but not be limited to waveguide writing for photonic integrated circuits.
- Work with complex optical systems, including cutting edge adaptive optics to deliver exciting solutions for our customers.
- Design, configure & test laboratory optical systems for new product capabilities which address challenging problems
- Complete proof of concept trials and live demos for prospective customers
- Develop robust control solutions for industrial systems
- Contribute to machine vision development
- Become an internal technical expert, reporting project results to progress early-stage developments towards a product launch
- Produce technical documentation for, and assist with, the build of production systems where technical expertise is required
We aim to build a world-class team with complementary skills and expect applicants with significant experience working in research or technical environments to be comfortable taking leadership roles on technical projects.
ABOUT YOU
You will have a significant technical background, ideally with 5+ years of experience, with a degree or equivalent experience in the physical sciences, engineering or related fields and enjoy working as part of a small collaborative team.
You will be able to demonstrate that you have the following:-
- Experience in photonics-based applications, from single mode fiber optic coupling techniques to photonic integrated circuits
- Developed precision instrumentation or systems which include the use of optics, for example laser based systems
- Knowledge of adaptive optics concepts
- Enthusiasm and interest in understanding complex technical systems
- Demonstrable hands-on experience of optical systems which include machine vision elements
- A proactive approach to problem solving
- A creative mindset, comfortable both developing new ideas and employing existing technical solutions
- Excellent capability for record-keeping, organisation and communication skills
For this role, we expect applicants with more experience in metrology, optics or control-related projects within a technical capacity from either industry or academia.
You might also have:-
- Worked with ultrafast lasers
- Worked with adaptive optics
- Experience with waveguide or optical fibre performance characterisation
- Experience with mechanical design or optical simulations
- Configured or operated precision motion control systems
- Experience developing software or writing basic scripts
- Experience with microscopes and a familiarity with other analytical techniques such as confocal microscopy, Raman, AFM and SEM
- Used python or MATLAB to develop data analysis techniques
- Developed products and produced documentation to demonstrate conformity with regulatory standards
- An understanding of intellectual property development
- Previous involvement with project management or project planning
If you don\’t meet all of the criteria above, but are interested in the role, please apply or get in touch to discuss further.
The role is advertised as full-time.
We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a hardware company, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, so encourage time spent in the office and expect this when required.
As part of the recruitment process a selected candidate will be required to undergo security screening to BS7858.
Closing date: Friday 1st August 2025. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Salary range: £52,000 – £58,000pa (dependent upon level of skill and experience)
Benefits
- Hybrid & flexible working arrangements
- Share option scheme
- Annual bonus scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Group Income Protection and Life Assurance
- Enhanced family leave
- Company matched pension contributions up to 5%. Salary sacrifice arrangement is available
- 25 days paid leave plus bank holidays
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Mental Health and Wellbeing support and activities
- Supported further study or training for your professional and personal development
- Volunteering opportunities
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are an equal opportunities employer and commit to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace whilst creating an environment which promotes dignity and respect for all. We post our job descriptions across a wide range of recruitment platforms to enable us to garner the most diverse range of candidates we possibly can.
ADJUSTMENTS AND PROVISIONS
We are dedicated to putting in place any reasonable adjustments that may be required to meet the needs of those who wish to apply for a position at Opsydia.
Please share if you have a declared disability, for example but not limited to: a social communication impairment such as autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD; a mental health condition, a sensory impairment affecting sight or hearing or a physical or mobility impairment.
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
We can provide our job descriptions in an alternative format of video or audio description.
ABOUT OPSYDIA
Opsydia provides commercial systems based on adaptive optics which can directly generate photonic structures in a variety of transparent materials. Learn more at opsydia.com
The company is based in the Centre for Innovation & Enterprise at Begbroke Science Park north of Oxford. Begbroke offers comprehensive facilities on-site including a restaurant, coffee shop, free parking and a minibus service between the park and Oxford.
Your data will be held in line with our recruitment privacy policy available at https://opsydia.com/recruitment-privacy-policy
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Optical Engineer employer: Opsydia Limited
Contact Detail:
Opsydia Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in photonics and adaptive optics. Being well-versed in current technologies will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the optical engineering community, especially those who have experience with femtosecond lasers or photonic integrated circuits. Engaging in discussions can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description. Highlighting your hands-on experience with optical systems and any innovative solutions you've developed will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will illustrate your proactive approach and creative mindset, which are key qualities for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in photonics, optical systems, and any specific projects that align with the role at Opsydia. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss your hands-on experience with optical systems and how it relates to the innovative work Opsydia is doing. Be sure to mention any leadership roles you've taken on in technical projects.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to optics, adaptive optics, and photonic applications. Include any experience with software like Python or MATLAB, as well as your familiarity with analytical techniques mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples of how you've approached complex technical challenges in previous roles. Opsydia values a proactive approach to problem-solving, so share specific instances where your creativity led to successful outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opsydia Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with photonics-based applications and any specific projects you've worked on. Highlight your hands-on experience with optical systems, especially those involving adaptive optics or laser-based systems.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Opsydia values a proactive approach to problem-solving. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you creatively resolved them, particularly in technical environments.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Technology
Research Opsydia's laser technology and its applications in transparent materials. Understanding their products and the markets they serve will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since the role involves working closely with other engineers, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated on projects. Be ready to discuss how you communicate and coordinate with team members to achieve common goals.