Gooch & Housego Torquay
Optical Systems Engineer
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ABOUT US
G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.
Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, UK, with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.
G&H optical fiber components can be found being used on the moon, the International Space Station, as well as the bottom of the world's oceans.
At G&H Torquay, we're one of a number of global technology leaders that form the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, bringing a concentration of expertise and innovation in photonics and microelectronics to the South Devon region.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for an optical systems design engineer with a diverse skill set to join our Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team in the fiber optic manufacturing center based in Torquay.
You will be working as part of the development team, bringing a range of products from initial concept and prototyping, through to early-stage production. A range of fiber optic sub-systems are in development, including high power fiber optic amplifier sub-systems for free space optical communications, A&D, and remote sensing applications.
The job will involve a range of tasks related to the design, prototype assembly, and test of fiber-optic and photonics-based components and sub-systems, typically covering TRL3 to TRL7.
This position requires the individual to have a well-rounded background with a broad technical knowledge base in optical amplifiers, fiber-optics, photonics, and related technologies. You will be working as part of a team but should be capable of working under your own steam – self-motivated and a self-starter, able to effectively progress projects and troubleshoot problems.
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The role offers a wide variety of activity from technical involvement in initial product concepts, hardware development, customer interactions. This is a challenging role where you will have a major input to world-leading, innovative products that are marketed worldwide.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide technical input to the design and development of fiber optic sub-systems such as high-power fiber-optic amplifier subsystems and their components
- Work as part of the team to ensure projects and programs meet deadlines, milestones, and are within budget
- Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes optical, mechanical, and electronic design engineers
- Active involvement and management of prototype build & assembly – including fiber-optic splicing, mechanical / electrical assembly, and opto-electronic test
- Develop and execute on test plans for functional and environmental verification of photonic components and systems, verify compliance to target specifications
- Engage with customers as required, discuss specifications, and present results clearly and concisely for both internal and external customers
- Contribute to technical reviews and management reports resulting from technical activities
THE SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with Optics, Photonics, or Fiber optics bias
- Knowledge and experience with optical amplifiers (preferably high optical power), fiber-optics, and optics / photonics
- Hands-on experience building and testing fiber-optic components, systems, or opto-electronic modules
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to engage customers technically and collaboratively
- Comfortable creating and giving technical presentations
WHY JOIN US AT G&H
At G&H, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future of photonics. You’ll work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with talented engineers, and contribute to products that make a global impact. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to be part of something truly exciting.
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G&H BENEFITS
- 25 days - rising up to 30 days annual leave (phased with long service)
- Corporate Cash Plan
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme
Notes:
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities, and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.
The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.
Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held, and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organization.
All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.
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