IC Resources
Optical Systems Engineer

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Optical Systems Engineer
I am working with a globally renowned client, who are looking for an Optical Systems Engineer, based in Surrey.
🛰️As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will be focused on the development and delivery of advanced space-based optical payloads. You will cover optical system design, integration and verification. This is an exciting opportunity to support next-generation optical instruments for aerospace applications🛰️
Job Responsibilities
- Lead the development of optical payloads from concept through to manufacture, integration and verification
- Act as the technical lead for optical systems within multidisciplinary engineering programmes
- Define, manage and verify optical system requirements, interfaces and performance budgets
- Plan and execute optical metrology activities
- Support incoming inspection, build verification and system-level acceptance testing
- Lead or support environmental test campaigns
- Perform hands-on optical integration, alignment and assembly of flight hardware
- Develop verification and validation plans, risk registers and development schedules
- Own technical documentation including requirements matrices, test reports, analysis reports and build records
- Balance optical performance against programme, schedule and budget constraints
- Support optical architecture definition, component selection, supplier management and subsystem development
- Present technical progress, risks and performance status to customers and project stakeholders
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
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Experience Required
- Degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering or a related discipline
- Strong optical systems engineering experience within space, defence or high-performance imaging environments
- Experience owning optical system requirements, interfaces and verification activities
- Experience producing technical documentation including V&V plans, requirements matrices and test reports
- Strong understanding of optical engineering, electro-optics and imaging systems
- Experience managing technical work packages throughout the development lifecycle


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Desirable
- Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology and acceptance testing
- Optical design experience using Zemax OpticStudio
- Experience with optical analysis tools
- Understanding of opto-mechanical design, thermal effects and vibration sensitivity of optical systems
- Python scripting capability for automation or analysis tasks
- Knowledge of quality management systems and aerospace development processes
- Experience taking optical systems from concept through integration, test and customer acceptance
Benefits include:
- 32 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)
- Hybrid working model
- Private Healthcare for you and your family
- Company pension of 8%
- Annual company bonus scheme
If you are interested, get in touch with Ella at IC Resources.
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