Senior Optical Engineer

Job Description

Are you an Optical Engineer who wants to join us in the development of the next generation of industry‑leading electro‑optic targeting and surveillance systems? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Our UK team designs sophisticated optical solutions, while our state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Essex and Edinburgh manufacture them. As a member of a multidisciplinary Engineering Team, you will collaborate on novel solutions in multi‑spectral wavebands (infrared and visible) and build on decades of domain‑leading heritage.

• Be involved in the research, development and manufacturing phases of the Optical Engineering lifecycle.
• Contribute to system architecture and requirements.
• Design and develop both simple and complex electro‑optical systems.
• Conduct lens and optical performance analysis and simulations.
• Ensure design quality and consistency through numerical calculations, tolerance studies, and more.
• Support the integration and testing of electro‑optical systems.
• Collaborate with optical subcontractors and suppliers.
• Review optical designs in line with industry standards, including ISO
  10110.

• A minimum second‑class upper degree in Physics, Opto‑Electronics, or a related subject; alternatively, equivalent experience covering the following:
• Strong understanding of classical optics principles.
• Experience in lens design and optical analysis.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard optical design tools (Optic Studio, CodeV, FRED).
• Awareness of mechanical and electronic design aspects related to electro‑optical systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a structured and logical approach.
• Experience in the definition and commissioning of optical testing.
• Practical experience of the build of optical systems (prototype or volume production).
• Proficiency in numerical, programming and symbolic software (MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, C++).
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information, visit

• Generous leave including the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Eligibility for a bonus scheme at management level and below.
• Free access to 4000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Referral programme providing a financial reward.
• Spending up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible hours with hybrid working options; part‑time opportunities discussed on request.

Primary

Location:

GB – Basildon

Contract Type:
Permanent

Hybrid Working:
International, multicultural, innovative, technological (Hybrid International).