Head of Systems Engineering

Are you the next
Head of Systems Engineering
to drive forward our next-generation laser processing platform?

A spinout from the University of Oxford, Opsydia is a specialist laser technology company harnessing decades of academic excellence and experience in adaptive optics that enable the writing of features in transparent materials. Our writing technology has gone on to provide functionalities across many scientific and industrial areas.

Our technological capabilities and intellectual property in adaptive optics have been accelerated forward and are now engaged with world class companies with a view to deploying Opsydia’s systems in their next generation products. With strong support from investors and the market, Opsydia has been pursuing new applications in areas ranging from co-packaged optical-semiconductor devices, datacoms, quantum to sensing devices.

If you’re seeking to join an industry leading innovator, we’d love to hear from you.

As the Head of Systems Engineering
, you will own the systems architecture and integration across hardware, optics, and controls specifically in ultra-fast laser photonics and control systems, while building a high performing team and establishing best practices in product development & manufacturability.

Initial scope includes scaling and enhancing our system platform, developing new system variants for emerging applications, and working closely with global customers to understand their unique requirements and translate them into robust, high‑performing, market‑ready products.

This role will suit an experienced leader who applies rigorous systems engineering practices, has successfully led high‑performing technical teams, and brings hands‑on expertise with ultrafast laser technologies. It’s ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑moving, and innovative environment and enjoys shaping architecture, guiding multidisciplinary engineering efforts, and delivering technically ambitious products with clarity, structure and purpose.

• Leadership & Team Management
• Build, lead, and develop a high performing Systems Engineering team.
• Establish operating rhythms: daily standups, technical/design reviews; foster accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Manage capacity and prioritisation across programs; resource allocation between advanced NPD and sustaining engineering
• Technical Ownership & Architecture
• Own end to end systems architecture with deep involvement in ultra-fast laser photonics (laser sources, beam delivery, optical subsystems) and control systems (precision motion, feedback control, embedded/real time).
• Translate customer/product requirements into system level specifications.
• Drive data‑driven design evaluations to ensure the product architecture achieves optimal performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Product Development, NPI & Lifecycle
• Lead the evolution of early concepts into fully integrated, production ready systems, coordinating mechanical, optical, electrical and firmware teams.
• Establish a robust NPI pathway from research to production, enabling consistent builds, clear test protocols, and long‑term serviceability.
• Oversee disciplined change control, ensuring product updates are properly assessed, documented, and implemented across engineering and manufacturing systems.
• Systematically improve product robustness and manufacturing efficiency by identifying quality gaps, reducing complexity, and implementing scalable, lean processes.
• Ultrafast Laser Expertise
• Lead application and optimisation of femtosecond laser systems for direct laser writing and photonic integrated circuits.
• Collaborate with laser suppliers to define specifications, validate performance, and optimise system integration, ensuring components meet application
• Guide process improvements in laser marking & control solutions, validating laser measurement and alignment methods.
• Manufacturing, Quality, Safety & Compliance
• Define test strategies, acceptance criteria, reliability growth plans, and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., laser safety, EMC, functional safety as applicable); partner with…