At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge laser photonics systems and ensure their successful integration.
- Company: Opsydia, a pioneering laser technology company spun out from the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Flexible working, share options, private medical insurance, and 25 days paid leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and professional growth at a vibrant science park.
- Why this job: Shape the future of laser technology and make a real impact in various industries.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in Physics or Optical Engineering with significant experience in system integration.
Are you the next Senior Systems Engineer to help build and shape the software behind our next generation laser processing platform? Spun out from the University of Oxford in 2017, Opsydia is a specialist laser technology company harnessing decades of academic excellence and deep expertise in adaptive optics to enable the writing of features in transparent materials. Our writing technology has gone on to provide functionalities across scientific and industrial domains. Our platform enables the creation of functional devices in optical glass, diamond, and other transparent media, powering disruptive applications in datacoms, quantum technologies, and advanced sensing.
As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will take full system-level ownership of Opsydia's next generation laser photonics products. This is a technical leadership role spanning architecture, integration, verification, and productization, ensuring that complex opto electro mechanical subsystems come together into robust, high performance solutions. You will lead the definition, design, and delivery of complete systems, balancing photonics, precision mechanics, automation, software, reliability engineering, and manufacturability. Working across early stage R&D, customer engagements, and product development, you will play a key role in shaping Opsydia's technical roadmap and maturing prototypes into deliverable, field ready products.
- Develop system level specifications, performance budgets, and risk models across optical, mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
- Collaborate with laser manufacturers to define specifications, validate performance, and ensure long term stability and repeatability.
- Oversee opto mechanical design for robustness in industrial environments, ensuring vibration control, thermal stability, and reliability.
- Work closely with the Software Team to achieve coordinated laser stage performance.
- Combine lasers, adaptive optics, motion control, electronics, and machine vision into fully functional, production ready systems.
- Use optical modelling and simulation tools to optimise performance and minimise error sources.
- Develop verification plans, test procedures, and system level fault analysis frameworks.
- Define system level control methodologies and sequencing alongside the Software Team.
- Ensure full compliance with international laser safety standards and implement appropriate interlocks, monitoring, and diagnostic features.
- Contribute to automation and workflow design that enhances stability, repeatability, and throughput.
You take full accountability for delivering complex projects from concept to deployment, ensuring technical excellence and timely execution within a collaborative team environment. Ability to architect and optimise complex optical systems, including adaptive optics and machine vision elements. For this senior role, we expect applicants with significant experience in metrology, optics, and control systems, ideally with exposure to industrial-grade system integration and supplier engagement. Expertise in waveguide fabrication or optical fibre performance characterization. Familiarity with mechanical design and optical simulation tools. Competence in automation and scripting for system control (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW). Track record of developing products and producing documentation for regulatory compliance. Understanding of intellectual property development and technology protection strategies. Previous involvement in project planning, risk assessment, and technical reporting.
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.
- 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
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. 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; We can provide our job descriptions in an alternative format of video or audio description.
Opsydia provides commercial systems based on adaptive optics which can directly generate photonic structures in a variety of transparent materials. 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.
Senior Engineering Systems Engineer in Oxford employer: Opsydia
Opsydia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and collaboration is key. Located in the Centre for Innovation & Enterprise at Begbroke Science Park, employees benefit from modern facilities, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to professional development. With a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, Opsydia fosters a culture that values every individual while providing competitive benefits such as a share option scheme, private medical insurance, and enhanced family leave.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineering Systems Engineer in Oxford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Engineering Systems Engineer role you’re after at Opsydia.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Opsydia a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Opsydia.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Engineering Systems Engineer at Opsydia, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineering Systems Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Engineering Systems Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Opsydia a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Opsydia specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opsydia
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Opsydia, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Opsydia want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
