Principal Optical Engineer

My client is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer, to lead the optical architecture of a next-generation holographic data storage platform. As a Principal Optical Engineer, you will take Optical Systems from prototype through to production.
This is an onsite role, based in London.
Responsibilities
Own the optical architecture and design strategy for the current product and future roadmap
Define optical design intent from concept through to production
Lead optical development across Engineering Verification, Design Validation and Production Validation
Review, approve and sign off Zemax optical designs prior to manufacture
Develop simulation-led optical designs, replacing iterative prototyping with robust design methodology
Define optical performance, tolerancing, error budgets, thermal and mechanical constraints, and calibration strategies
Optimise precision optical systems for encoding performance and system reliability
Balance optical performance with manufacturability, packaging, cost and scalability
Collaborate closely with mechanical and mechatronics engineers on system integration, alignment and precision motion
Define clear optical requirements and communicate them across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Drive products from prototype to scalable, manufacturable production
Requirements
Significant industry experience in optical design or optical engineering
Strong Zemax experience including design, optimisation and tolerancing
Experience owning major optical architecture or optical design decisions within hardware products
Experience taking optical systems from prototype into verification, validation or production-intent design
Experience defining optical performance budgets and calibration assumptions
Hands-on experience building, aligning, testing and validating optical systems
Understanding of design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly principles for optical hardware
Experience working with optical suppliers on feasibility, tolerances and component selection
Strong communication skills and ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering teams
Experience leading through technical expertise rather than formal people management
Desirable skills:

Experience with holography, optical encoding or projection systems

Experience with imaging systems, microscopes or precision instrumentation
Exposure to photonics, metrology or advanced manufacturing systems
Benefits include 25 days annual leave, employer pension, and a competitive salary.
If you are interested, please apply, or contact Ella Flynn at IC Resources for more details.