Optical Engineer

Role title : Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

Team : New Product Development

Managers, Production engineers, Procurement, Customer Support, Quality, Compliance & third-party partners.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Specac Innovation (R&D) team and play a key role in developing the next generation of accessories for spectroscopy and other analytical instrumentation. As an Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, simulation, development and validation of precision optical and opto-mechanical systems, taking products from concept through to manufacturing and supporting the product lifecycle as the technical subject matter expert.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will apply your expertise in optical design, simulation, spectroscopy and precision manufacturing techniques to develop innovative, high-performance products that meet customer, regulatory and manufacturing requirements. You will lead cross-functionally, collaborating with colleagues across Specac's engineering, product management, manufacturing, quality, procurement and commercial teams in the UK, US and Asia, while also working closely with customers and a global network of suppliers to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions and successful product launches.

The role offers the opportunity to take technical ownership of projects, influence product architecture and contribute to Specac's future technology roadmap while working within a collaborative international engineering organisation.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, experience, qualifications, and the requirements of the role.

• Lead the optical system design for spectroscopy and other analytical instrument accessories, working with the project team to develop integrated optical and opto-mechanical solutions.
• Design optical system layouts and perform optical modelling, ray tracing, tolerance analysis and performance optimisation, specifying optical components and coatings where required.
• Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies, including mechanical layouts and optical component mounting arrangements to achieve robust optical performance.
• Produce detailed engineering documentation, including optical and mechanical drawings, specifications and manufacturing data for production release.
• Work with the Mechanical Design team to manage design files within the PDM system, ensuring compliance with engineering change, document control and product release processes.
• Define product verification requirements and develop, execute and document optical and system-level testing protocols.
• Own prototype evaluation, qualification and verification testing, analysing results and implementing design improvements where required.
• Contribute to New Product Development (NPD), Product Line Extensions (PLEs) and Custom & Special (C&S) projects from concept through to manufacturing transfer and lifecycle support.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement and a global supplier network to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable and cost-effective, applying Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles.
• Integrate optoelectronic components into product designs where appropriate.
• Lead cross-functional technical activities, working with colleagues across Specac's UK, US and Asia teams to deliver products that meet performance, reliability, compliance, quality and cost objectives.

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline or equivalent hands‑on industry experience in optical and opto‑mechanical product development.
• A Master's or PhD is advantageous but not essential.

• Proven experience in the design, simulation and…