At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge laser processing systems in aerospace and defence.
- 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 collaborative team in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of photonics and make a real impact in advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: D. or Master's in Physics or Optical Engineering with significant experience in optics and control systems.
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 Systems Engineer - Aerospace and Defence 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 Systems Engineer - Aerospace and Defence in Oxford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Opsydia for a Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace and Defence. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace and Defence in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Opsydia, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Opsydia, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opsydia
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Opsydia.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Opsydia. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Opsydia love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
