Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation AI | Photonics

Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | AI | Photonics | Health Tech | Deep Tech Startup

Location:

London. Full-time.

• Design, build, align, and calibrate novel optical analytical instruments (e.g., Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, scattering) from concept and component selection through bench assembly and validation.
• Solve optical/mechanical design challenges, design custom components/fixtures, and iterate rapidly to hit performance targets.
• Integrate optics with detectors/light sources, motion/actuation, electronics, fluidics, and software control to deliver fully functional prototypes.
• Plan and execute experiments; analyze data to troubleshoot and optimize SNR, resolution, stability, dynamic range; own verification against specifications.
• Serve as in‑house subject‑matter expert for spectroscopy—advise on component selection (gratings, filters, objectives, fibers, detectors), system architecture, and experimental methodology.
• Maintain design files, BOMs, alignment procedures, and test reports; ensure reproducibility; support IP filings and hand‑off to manufacturing.
• Work closely with scientists, assay developers, data scientists, and QA/RA to ensure instruments meet biological, analytical, and regulatory needs.
• Uphold lab/laser safety; support design controls and documentation aligned with ISO 13485 and related standards.
• Track advances in spectroscopy/optics; prototype and evaluate new architectures to push platform capability.

• Advanced degree (PhD or exceptional MSc) in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Nanoscience, or related engineering field.
• 3+ years industry experience designing, building, and operating complex optical systems from scratch in a lab environment.
• Deep practical knowledge of Raman/FTIR/fluorescence/scattering instrumentation and how to build/align such systems.
• Strong hands‑on skills in opto‑mechanics, precision alignment, stray‑light control, and thermal/vibration management.
• Experience with data acquisition & control (e.g., Python, Matlab, C++, LabVIEW, pyVISA; motion stages/controllers).
• Familiarity with optical & mechanical CAD (e.g., Zemax/Optic Studio, Solid Works/Onshape) and tolerance analysis.
• Experience maturing prototypes toward production (DfX, manufacturability, reliability) and mentoring junior engineers/scientists.
• Advantages: fiber optics, micro‑optics, microfluidics, laser safety, electronics, and signal processing/statistics.
• Builder’s mindset: hands‑on, resourceful, relentless about quality.
• Low‑ego collaborator who elevates a multidisciplinary team.
• Mission‑driven and patient‑centered, comfortable in a fast‑paced startup.