Senior Optical Designer

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Package: £58,050-£64,500 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits

Role : SF20716

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Optical Engineer at our Malvern site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role
As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing advanced optical systems, supporting multiple programmes across a growing portfolio of work.

You'll work closely with suppliers, manufacturers and engineering teams to ensure designs can be successfully manufactured, integrated and deployed, helping bring innovative optical technologies into real-world applications.

Alongside hands-on technical delivery, you'll provide mentoring and technical guidance to developing engineers while contributing to the continued growth of the capability.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design and optimise advanced optical systems and assemblies
• Develop optical models using Zemax Optic Studio and similar tools
• Support manufacture, integration and testing of optical products
• Work with suppliers and subcontractors to deliver optical hardware
• Mentor and support the development of junior optical engineers
• Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering projects

Essential experience of the Senior Optical Designer:

• Strong industrial experience in optical system design
• Proficiency with Zemax Optic Studio (or equivalent such as Code V)
• Experience taking optical designs through manufacture
• Knowledge of optical tolerancing and design-for-manufacture principles
• Experience working with suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Ability to provide technical leadership and mentoring

Essential qualifications for the Senior Optical Engineer :

• Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at our Malvern site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week.

The Malvern facility is noted for its work in electronic warfare, surveillance and complex system integration, contributing significantly to the UK’s defence capabilities. Developing technologies for military and civilian applications, including sensors, communications and cyber security.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing int .

One of our recruitment team will contact you.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we…