Optical Systems Engineer

My client is looking for a Lead Optical Systems Engineer, to act as the architect for their hardware, advanced optical systems and processes. This is an exciting opportunity within a deep-tech startup, developing next-generation optical manufacturing technologies

Based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

• Act as the systems architect for complex optical assemblies, defining system requirements, power budgets and alignment tolerances.
• Design and develop alignment procedures for advanced optical systems
• Build, align, test and troubleshoot complex optical experiments and assemblies
• Model and simulate optical systems using Zemax
• Develop and maintain system architecture documentation, alignment procedures and technical specifications.
• Support the optimisation, debugging and continuous improvement of optical systems throughout development.

• Strong hands-on experience with optical systems, precision alignment and laboratory-based experimentation.
• Good understanding of beam propagation, imaging, polarisation and interferometry.
• Experience working with complex, multi-component optical systems.
• Systems-level understanding of optical, mechanical and electronic subsystem interactions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Degree, MSc or PhD in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with Zemax
• Exposure to quantum technologies, atomic physics or precision optical instrumentation.
• Experience with motorised alignment systems, actuators and feedback control systems.
• Knowledge of optical sensing technologies
• Python or similar scripting experience for automation and data analysis.
• CAD experience, ideally Solid Works, for optomechanical design.
• Equity participation scheme.
• Life insurance.
• Modern laboratory and office environment.
• Collaborative startup culture with significant technical ownership.