At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise optical systems for innovative analytical instruments.
- Company: Join Specac Ltd., a leader in optical engineering innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for project management and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving market-driven innovation in optics.
- Qualifications: Degree in Optical Engineering or related field; hands-on design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role offers the opportunity to join the Specac Ltd. Innovation team, contributing to organic growth through rapid, market-driven innovation. We are seeking an Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer with strong optical design and simulation capabilities to join our Innovation (R&D) team. The ideal candidate will have solid optical modelling experience and the potential to grow into managing projects and broader product development responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- System Design: Explore and optimize optical systems for analytical instruments. Design optical system layouts and perform optical modelling, tolerance analysis, and performance optimization and specify optical coatings where required. Design and optimize optical systems for analytical instruments using ray tracing simulation software (Zemax). Integrate optoelectronic components where required.
- Precision Engineering: Create mechanical layouts and optical components mounting arrangements. Develop precision opto-mechanical assemblies ensuring optical performance. Create detailed designs and documentation for manufacturing transfer.
- Validation: Develop and execute testing protocols for spectral characterization and performance optimization. Execute optical testing protocols including spectral characterization. Support product prototyping, qualification and verification testing.
- Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing teams and suppliers to ensure designs are practical for production. Contribute to NPD (New Product Development), Customs & Specials (C&S) & PLE’s (Product Line Extensions) projects from concept through production. Collaborate with manufacturing teams/suppliers to ensure design for manufacturability.
- Product Evolution: Support projects from initial concept through to manufacturing transfer. Generate design documentation including optical, mechanical drawings, and specifications. Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, compliance, and cost requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related field (Masters/PhD is a plus).
- Experience: Hands-on optical system design and simulation experience. Experience with analytical instruments (spectroscopy, microscopy) preferred.
Core Technical Skills
- Optical Design & Simulation: Proficiency in Zemax Optic Studio, Code V, or equivalent. Sequential and non-sequential ray tracing experience. Optical tolerance analysis and sensitivity studies. Understanding of optical performance metrics. Understanding of photodetectors and light sources. Knowledge of optical components: lenses, mirrors, prisms, gratings, filters. Understanding of optical coatings. Understanding of spectroscopic principles (absorption, transmission, fluorescence, Raman). Familiarity with spectrometer configurations and radiometric concepts.
- Mechanical Design: Experience in SolidWorks, or similar software. Understanding of precision opto-mechanical design principles. Basic FEA knowledge (ANSYS, COMSOL) or willingness to learn.
- Software Proficiency: SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD), MATLAB or Python (highly desired).
Key Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail with systematic design validation.
- Ability to balance optical performance with practical constraints.
- Quality-driven, methodical approach.
- Excellent verbal and technical writing skills.
- Strong organizational and communication abilities.
- Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
- Proactive, flexible approach to challenges.
- Customer and safety-first mindset.
- Flexibility to travel occasionally (UK or abroad).
Optical Engineer in London employer: Specac Ltd
At Specac Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of spectroscopy systems. Our supportive work culture encourages professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and cross-functional teamwork across our global locations. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on meaningful projects, we offer a unique environment where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Specac Ltd. on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your optical design projects, simulations, and any hands-on experience. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your optical modelling knowledge and problem-solving skills. Mock interviews with friends can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Specac team.
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Optical Engineer role. Highlight your optical design and simulation experience, especially with tools like Zemax. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about optical engineering and how you can contribute to our Innovation team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's optical system design or mechanical layouts, we love seeing real-world applications of your skills. It helps us understand your hands-on experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Specac Ltd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specac Ltd
✨Know Your Optical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your optical design and simulation knowledge, especially with tools like Zemax. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex optical challenges in the past. Think about times when you had to balance performance with practical constraints, and be ready to explain your thought process. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and how you approach problem-solving.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with others. Share specific instances where you worked with manufacturing or cross-functional teams to bring a project from concept to production. Highlight your communication skills and teamwork.
✨Get Technical with Your Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking technical questions about the company’s current projects or challenges they face in optical design. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
