At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop precision optomechanical systems for cutting-edge optical technologies.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm in the heart of Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the photonics field with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in precision systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Department
Engineering
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
- Oxford
- Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Opto-Mechanical Engineer to join our Photonics Systems engineering team.
In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, analysis, and qualification of precision optomechanical systems used in optical interconnects, photonic devices, and next‑generation optical technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop precision optomechanical components, fixtures, and assemblies for photonic and optical systems.
- Create detailed 3D CAD models, mechanical drawings, and documentation using industry-standard CAD tools.
- Define and manage critical mechanical tolerances, alignment features, and assembly interfaces to ensure robust optical performance.
- Perform tolerance stack‑up analyses and establish manufacturing requirements for high‑precision assemblies.
- Collaborate with optical and photonics engineers to develop packaging and integration solutions for lasers, detectors, optical fibers, micro‑optics, and photonic integrated circuits.
- Evaluate and select manufacturing processes and materials capable of achieving demanding dimensional and stability requirements.
- Perform mechanical, thermal, vibration, and structural analyses to validate designs.
- Support prototype builds, verification testing, reliability testing, and product qualification activities.
- Drive design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) and design‑for‑assembly (DFA) improvements for both low‑volume and high‑volume production.
- Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure components meet critical dimensional, cosmetic, and performance specifications.
- Investigate and resolve design, manufacturing, and reliability issues through structured root‑cause analysis.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Experience designing precision mechanical or optomechanical systems with tight dimensional and geometric tolerances.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, precision alignment features, and manufacturing variation.
- Demonstrated experience working with components and assemblies requiring micron‑level accuracy and repeatability.
- Proficiency with CAD software such as Solid Works, Creo, NX, or equivalent.
- Experience with precision manufacturing processes including CNC machining, micro‑machining, injection molding, stamping, or related technologies.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical validation methods.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Proactive and self‑motivated, with a strong sense of ownership.
- Delivery‑focused and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
- Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast‑paced technology environment.
- A proven track record of delivering optical products into production would be an advantage.
- Advantage
- Experience in optical interconnects, optical transceivers, silicon photonics, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), optical packaging, or related photonics technologies.
- Experience with active or passive optical alignment systems.
- Familiarity with automated assembly and precision manufacturing environments.
- Experience working with optical fibers, micro‑optics, lasers, or detector integration.
Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Private medical & dental insurance
- 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
- Relocation support
- Visa support available
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Plessey Semiconductors.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Plessey Semiconductors love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Plessey Semiconductors and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Plessey Semiconductors and the Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plessey Semiconductors
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Plessey Semiconductors.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Plessey Semiconductors.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Plessey Semiconductors, making you a more appealing candidate.
