Optical Systems Engineer

Overview

As part of the Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team in Torquay, you will develop fibre-optic sub-systems from concept to early production. You’ll work on high-power fibre-optic amplifier subsystems for free-space optical communications, A&D, and remote sensing, while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineers. The role blends design, hardware development, and customer-facing activities, offering significant impact on world-leading photonics products. You will contribute to technical reviews and drive prototype build, testing, and verification in a fast-paced environment.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30)
• Corporate Cash Plan
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design and development of fibre optic sub-systems (high-power amplifiers and components)
• Collaborate to meet deadlines, milestones, and budgets across projects
• Work within a multidisciplinary team (optical, mechanical, electronic design)
• Lead and assist in prototype build and assembly (fibre splicing, mechanical/electrical assembly, opto-electronic testing)
• Create and execute test plans for functional and environmental verification of photonic components and systems
• Engage with customers to discuss specifications and present results clearly
• Support technical reviews and management reports from technical activities

Key requirements

• Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with Optics, Photonics or Fibre optics bias
• Knowledge/experience with optical amplifiers (preferably high power), fibre-optics and optics/photonics
• Hands-on experience building and testing fibre-optic components, systems or opto-electronic modules
• Strong verbal and written communication, ability to engage customers technically and collaboratively
• Experience creating and delivering technical presentations

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Customer engagement and collaboration
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Optical amplifiers (high power)
• Fibre optics and photonics
• Prototype build and test

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