Head of Systems Engineering in Oxford

Are you the next Head of Systems Engineering to drive forward our next-generation laser processing platform? A spinout from the University of Oxford, 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 technological capabilities and intellectual property in adaptive optics have been accelerated forward and are now engaged with world class companies with a view to deploying Opsydia’s systems in their next generation products. With strong support from investors and the market, Opsydia has been pursuing new applications in areas ranging from co-packaged optical-semiconductor devices, datacoms, quantum to sensing devices. If you’re seeking to join an industry leading innovator, we’d love to hear from you.

THE ROLE

As the Head of Systems Engineering, you will own the systems architecture and integration across hardware, optics, and controls specifically in ultra-fast laser photonics and control systems, while building a high performing team and establishing best practices in product development & manufacturability. Initial scope includes scaling and enhancing our system platform, developing new system variants for emerging applications, and working closely with global customers to understand their unique requirements and translate them into robust, high‑performing, market‑ready products. This role will suit an experienced leader who applies rigorous systems engineering practices, has successfully led high‑performing technical teams, and brings hands‑on expertise with ultrafast laser technologies. It’s ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑moving, and innovative environment and enjoys shaping architecture, guiding multidisciplinary engineering efforts, and delivering technically ambitious products with clarity, structure and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Build, lead, and develop a high performing Systems Engineering team.
  • Establish operating rhythms: daily standups, technical/design reviews; foster accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
  • Manage capacity and prioritisation across programs; resource allocation between advanced NPD and sustaining engineering.
• Technical Ownership & Architecture
  • Own end to end systems architecture with deep involvement in ultra-fast laser photonics (laser sources, beam delivery, optical subsystems) and control systems (precision motion, feedback control, embedded/real time).
  • Translate customer/product requirements into system level specifications.
  • Drive data‑driven design evaluations to ensure the product architecture achieves optimal performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Product Development, NPI & Lifecycle
  • Lead the evolution of early concepts into fully integrated, production ready systems, coordinating mechanical, optical, electrical and firmware teams.
  • Establish a robust NPI pathway from research to production, enabling consistent builds, clear test protocols, and long‑term serviceability.
  • Oversee disciplined change control, ensuring product updates are properly assessed, documented, and implemented across engineering and manufacturing systems.
  • Systematically improve product robustness and manufacturing efficiency by identifying quality gaps, reducing complexity, and implementing scalable, lean processes.
• Ultrafast Laser Expertise
  • Lead application and optimisation of femtosecond laser systems for direct laser writing and photonic integrated circuits.
  • Collaborate with laser suppliers to define specifications, validate performance, and optimise system integration, ensuring components meet application.
  • Guide process improvements in laser marking & control solutions, validating laser measurement and alignment methods.
• Manufacturing, Quality, Safety & Compliance
  • Define test strategies, acceptance criteria, reliability growth plans, and risk management.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., laser safety, EMC, functional safety as applicable); partner with Quality/Regulatory for certifications and approvals.
  • Appointed Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and develop ownerships of internal laser safety policy, team training, and lab compliance.
• Cross Functional & External Collaboration
  • Act as the systems lead across R&D, Optical Engineering, Software/Controls, Manufacturing, Quality/Regulatory, Field Service, and to inform Business Development.
  • Liaise with academic founders, R&D, suppliers, and customers; lead proof of concept trials and demos to validate feasibility and accelerate adoption.
• Intellectual Property & Innovation
  • Manage the patent portfolio and identify opportunities for new filings; draft inputs, liaise with IP counsel; report strategy/status to senior leadership and board.
  • Drive innovation roadmaps across photonics, controls, and vision capability.

ABOUT YOU

You are a proven Systems Engineering leader with 10+ years’ experience in photonics, laser systems, or precision instrumentation, supported by a deep technical background and ideally an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field. You take full ownership of complex system delivery, provide clear technical direction, and lead multidisciplinary teams with accountability, structure, and confidence. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Leadership experience developing and guiding high‑performing engineering teams.
• End‑to‑end ownership across system architecture, integration, and V&V for advanced optical, laser, and motion‑control systems.
• Technical depth in ultrafast lasers, precision optics, motion systems, and control architectures.
• A proactive, solutions‑driven mindset, anticipating issues and driving timely resolution.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, enabling alignment across cross‑functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Stakeholder agility, able to communicate complex technical risks and opportunities to founders, investors, commercial teams, and strategic partners.
• Resilience and adaptability, thriving in shifting priorities.

This role suits someone who combines technical excellence with leadership maturity, thrives in a fast‑moving, innovative environment, and consistently drives clarity, quality, and delivery. You might also have:

• Bias for experimentation and rapid validation.
• Strategic technology sensing for existing and emerging markets.

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 BPSS standard.

CLOSING DATE: Friday 20th February 2026. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• Salary range: £70,000-£75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid & flexible working arrangements.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Group Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Company matched pension contributions up to 5%.
• Salary sacrifice arrangement is available.
• 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 and a minibus service between the park and Oxford.

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