At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop high-precision optomechanical assemblies for cutting-edge optical hardware.
- Company: Join a pioneering company focused on precision optical technology for space applications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of optical engineering and contribute to groundbreaking projects in orbit.
- Qualifications: Solid experience in optomechanical engineering and proficiency in optical design tools.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and technical ownership.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with precision optical hardware for use in orbit. As existing systems move deeper into test and qualification, and new designs start to take shape, they’re looking to add a Senior Optomechanical Engineer to their on-site engineering team. This is a proper hands-on role. You won’t be hidden behind a desk producing drawings in isolation. You’ll be involved from early design decisions right through to integration, testing, and verification of flight hardware. It’s a senior individual contributor position, so no line management, but you will be expected to take technical ownership and help guide technicians and other engineers day to day.
What will you actually be working on?
- Designing and developing high-precision optomechanical assemblies from early concepts through to flight-ready systems
- Taking a lead role in lab-based integration, alignment, and optical performance testing
- Owning optomechanical aspects of existing products while contributing ideas and designs for future systems
- Producing and evolving detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings with realistic tolerances for precision manufacture
- Using optical modelling tools to predict system performance and then validating those models against real test data
- Setting up and running experiments, test rigs, and measurement systems, often tying instrumentation together with Python scripts
- Providing hands-on technical guidance to technicians during build, alignment, and test activities
- Working closely with optical, mechanical, electronics, and software engineers to make sure everything fits and works together
- Supporting environmental testing such as vibration and thermal vacuum, and checking performance before and after test
- Working directly with specialist suppliers on component selection, drawings, technical queries, and inspections
- Writing clear design notes, test plans, and reports that other engineers can actually use
What they’re looking for:
- Solid experience in optomechanical engineering within a hands-on development or R&D environment
- Someone comfortable aligning, integrating, and troubleshooting optical systems in the lab
- A good understanding of how optical components are made and how that affects design choices
- Strong experience with optical design tools (such as Zemax) and 3D CAD packages (Solidworks, Creo)
- Python experience for test automation, equipment control, or data analysis
- An engineer who can work independently, make sound technical decisions, and see work through
- Clear communication skills and the ability to explain optical concepts to non-optical engineers
Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge employer: SoCode
Contact Detail:
SoCode Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the optomechanical engineering field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in optomechanical design and testing. Include detailed descriptions of your projects and how you contributed to their success. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with optical design tools and 3D CAD packages. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to communicate effectively with non-optical engineers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role you’re interested in.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your practical experience in optomechanical engineering. We want to see how you've been involved in the entire process, from design to testing, so don’t hold back on those hands-on projects!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point without unnecessary fluff.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application for this role. Mention specific tools and experiences that align with what we’re looking for, like your proficiency with optical design tools or 3D CAD packages. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SoCode
✨Know Your Optomechanical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your optomechanical engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with optical systems, integration, and troubleshooting. Prepare examples of past projects where you took technical ownership and how you guided others in the process.
✨Show Off Your CAD Skills
Since you'll be working with 3D CAD models, it’s crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in tools like Solidworks or Creo. Bring along a portfolio of your designs or be prepared to talk through your design process and how you ensure precision in your work.
✨Get Familiar with Optical Modelling Tools
Be ready to discuss your experience with optical modelling tools like Zemax. Think about specific instances where you predicted system performance and validated those models against test data. This will show your analytical skills and understanding of the design process.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to explain complex optical concepts to non-optical engineers, practice simplifying your explanations. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to answer questions that might come from different engineering backgrounds. Good communication can set you apart!