RedTech Recruitment
Optical & Photonic Engineer
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Optical & Photonic Engineer
A fantastic opportunity for an Optical & Photonic Engineer to join an innovative technology company developing sophisticated hardware products. Working across optics, photonics, and hardware engineering, you will design systems involving cameras, lenses, and lasers, taking ideas from initial concepts through to working prototypes and production-ready designs. This highly hands-on role would suit an experienced engineer who enjoys combining theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory work.
Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, fully on-site five days per week – you should hold a full UK driving licence, or commit to obtaining one within six months of starting
Salary: Negotiable depending on experience
Requirements for Optical & Photonic Engineer:
- A relevant 2.1 or 1st degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline – our client also values a top academic history, so is looking for a minimum of AAB at A level, or international equivalent
- Strong hands-on experience working with optical or laser systems
- Practical experience selecting, integrating, and calibrating camera and lens systems
- Experience safely handling, aligning, and integrating lasers into electromechanical systems
- Confidence working in a laboratory environment, aligning optics, carrying out tests, and troubleshooting hardware
- Strong understanding of optical fundamentals, including imaging theory, beam propagation, coatings, and aberrations
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities within a growing technology company
- Due to the nature of some clients, you should be in a position to obtain UK DV security clearance, which typically requires at least ten years of UK residency, alongside background and criminal record checks.
- Experience with machine vision, image processing, design for manufacture, optical component suppliers, or optomechanical design would be beneficial
- Previous experience within a hardware start-up or a small multidisciplinary team would be beneficial
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Responsibilities for Optical & Photonic Engineer:
- Design and specify optical systems, including lens selection, beam paths, and imaging configurations
- Work with computer vision specialists to develop new technical solutions
- Select, integrate, and align laser sources within system designs
- Develop camera-based imaging systems, including sensor selection, matching optics, and calibration
- Build and test optical prototypes, carrying out alignment, characterisation, and troubleshooting
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate optical subsystems into complete products
- Produce technical documentation, test procedures, and design specifications
- Support manufacturing partners in taking optical assemblies from prototype to production
- Ensure designs and testing activities meet applicable laser safety standards
What this role offers:
- The opportunity to take optical and photonic systems from initial design through to working prototypes and production
- A varied technical role combining design, practical testing, and collaboration across engineering disciplines
- The chance to take ownership of challenging projects within a growing engineering team
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Applications:
If you would like to apply for this unique Optical & Photonic Engineering role, please send your CV via the relevant links!
We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments for your application or during the review process, please highlight this by separately emailing applications@redtech-recruit.com (if this email address has been removed by the job board, full contact details are readily available on our website).
Keywords: Optical Engineer / Photonics Engineer / Optical & Photonic Engineer / Laser Engineer / Electro-Optical Engineer / Optical Systems Engineer / Imaging Engineer / Optical Design Engineer / Optomechanical Engineer / Optical Test Engineer / Photonics Development Engineer / Optical Hardware Engineer / Optics / Photonics / Lasers / Camera Systems / Lens Systems / Imaging Systems / Optical Sensors / Optical Calibration / Beam Propagation / Optical Coatings / Optical Alignment / Laser Safety / Machine Vision / Computer Vision / Image Processing / Electromechanical Systems / Design for Manufacture / Optical Engineering / Physics / Electrical Engineering / Mathematics / Engineering
RedTech Recruitment Ltd focus on finding roles for Engineers and Scientists. Even if the above role isn’t of interest, please visit our website to see our other opportunities.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at RedTech. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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