Test Development Engineer in Oxford

An optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Test Development Engineer to join its growing R&D team. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in test, verification, and metrology to support the development and validation of the company's novel optical platform, working closely with design and manufacturing teams.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, technically strong engineer to take ownership of laboratory test and measurement activities, playing a key role in delivering robust, reliable, and production-ready next-generation adaptive lens technology set to transform the way we see the world.

About the Company

This company's expertise sits at the intersection of ophthalmics and optics. They develop novel ophthalmic solutions for use across optical systems, AR/VR/XR, and machine vision applications. Recognised as trusted experts in adaptive lens technology, they partner with leading global consumer electronics and technology companies to develop new solutions that optimise visual performance.

The company has developed a novel adaptive lens system with the potential to transform visual performance in modern AR/VR/XR technologies. This breakthrough has generated significant interest across the consumer technology sector. As a result, the company is now entering the next phase of its R&D programme, scaling its technical capabilities and seeking talented engineers to join the team.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing technology company, contribute to cutting-edge R&D, and play a key role in the development of a new technology with global impact. Above all, it is an outstanding place to work, combining innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

The Role

This is an exciting period of investment and growth. The company is scaling its team and facilities to support ambitious R&D activities and is seeking an experienced Test Development Engineer to join the team.

The Test Development Engineer will be responsible for the ownership and delivery of test, verification, and metrology activities supporting the development of the company's optical products. Working closely with design and manufacturing teams, the role will ensure that product requirements are translated into robust test strategies, accurate measurement methods, and clear verification evidence from early development through pilot production. The position combines hands-on laboratory work with technical leadership, providing guidance to test and metrology technicians while ensuring test capability, data quality, and reporting support the successful industrialisation of next-generation optical technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day operation of the test and metrology laboratory.
• Manage and prioritise test requests from project and engineering teams.
• Develop, validate, and maintain robust test methods, protocols, and procedures.
• Plan and deliver verification, robustness, life, and reliability testing, including accelerated testing where required.
• Produce clear, concise technical reports to support engineering and quality decisions.
• Direct and support test technicians while remaining hands-on when required.

Metrology

• Oversee internal metrology capability, ensuring accurate and repeatable measurement processes.
• Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T to define appropriate inspection strategies.
• Specify and implement measurement and inspection requirements in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Develop and maintain metrology protocols and routines.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to metrology technicians.

Quality & Product Development

• Own and manage product requirements through the development lifecycle.
• Define and maintain verification and compliance strategies, including traceability between requirements and test evidence.
• Support pilot-line and early production activities through IPC and quality control testing.
• Work with subject matter experts to define verification, inspection, and quality approaches.
• Research comparable products, standards, and best practices to inform development decisions.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a technical point of contact between engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to test and metrology technicians, with scope for future line management.
• Support continuous improvement of test, metrology, and quality processes.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

To be considered for the role of Test Development Engineer, you will need the following:

• A degree in a relevant STEM subject (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Product Design).
• Proven experience operating and owning a test and metrology laboratory within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in developing and delivering test and verification activities, including robustness, life, and reliability testing.
• Solid metrology experience, with the ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T and define appropriate inspection strategies.
• Experience supporting product development and early production, including verification, IPC, and quality control testing.
• Ability to develop clear test protocols, verification strategies, and technical reports.
• Strong cross-functional working skills, collaborating effectively with design, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Experience providing technical guidance to test and metrology technicians, with a hands-on, practical approach.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple test priorities and projects.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in force and torque testing.
• Experience in leak testing.
• Exposure to optical testing or optical metrology.
• Experience with surface testing or coating evaluation.
• Familiarity with OGP SmartScope systems.
• Experience using OGP Zone3 software.
• Experience programming or developing metrology routines.
• Experience developing User Requirement Specifications (URS).
• Strong understanding of verification planning and traceability frameworks (e.g. trace matrices).