Concept Engineer

Lead Concept Engineer

Location:

Surrey, UK (Woking) or Ilmenau, Germany

Salary: €70,000 per annum (Germany) £60,615 per annum (UK equivalent)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Industry: Optical Engineering Imaging Systems Metrology R&D Innovation

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Lead Concept Engineer to join our Imaging, Metrology & Visualisation Systems Division at either our Surrey (UK) Global HQ or our Ilmenau (Germany) development hub.

This is a senior R&D role focused on early-stage concept development, system innovation, and proof-of-concept prototyping for next-generation optical and digital imaging systems.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping future product strategy by transforming emerging technologies into validated system concepts that progress toward market-ready solutions.

If you are passionate about optics, system-level engineering, prototyping, and technical innovation, this role offers genuine freedom to create and influence product direction.

Reporting to:
Head of Concept Development

Key Responsibilities

Lead the creation of innovative concepts for next-generation optical, digital and metrology imaging systems

Drive system-level thinking to support Group technology and product strategy

Design, build and test mock-ups and breadboard prototypes

Validate early-stage design concepts and system interactions

Conduct competitive analysis and technology benchmarking

Identify and integrate emerging technologies into future product roadmaps

Collaborate with multidisciplinary internal teams (optics, electronics, software, mechanical)

Define and align technical specifications with external technology partners

Manage concept development projects, reporting milestones and risks to senior leadership

This is a high-impact innovation role with visibility across the organisation.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor s or Master s degree (or equivalent experience) in:

Optical Engineering

Physical Sciences

Electronic Engineering

Mechatronics

Optoelectronics

Minimum 5 years experience in R&D or advanced engineering environments

Strong understanding of optical systems

Hands-on experience in prototyping, bread boarding and proof-of-concept development

Experience in at least one of the following:

Image processing

Metrology systems

Mechatronic systems

Experience with engineering tools such as CREO, Zemax, Mathcad

Strong written and spoken English

Desirable Skills

Cross-disciplinary system integration experience

Knowledge of ergonomic design principles

Experience working with external technology partners

Structured project leadership in innovation environments

Personal Attributes

Creative, innovative and commercially aware

Strategic and structured problem solver

Hands-on and technically curious

Strong communicator across disciplines

Self-motivated with initiative

Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders

Location & Travel

Based in either Surrey, UK (Woking) or Ilmenau, Germany

International travel required occasionally

Germany-based candidates must be willing to travel regularly to the UK Global HQ

What We Offer

Competitive salary:

€70,000 per annum (Germany)

£60,615 per annum (UK equivalent)

Annual production bonus (approx. 2% of basic salary)

Private pension scheme (UK)

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Life assurance (2x basic salary)

24 days annual leave plus public holidays

Well-funded staff development programme

Dedicated training and development team

Access to fully equipped optical labs, prototyping facilities and advanced software tools

Opportunity to influence patented, market-leading technology

About Us

We are a world-leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision optical, digital and metrology systems, operating at the premium end of the market.

With over 250 employees globally and £38M annual turnover, we design and manufacture patented ergonomic instrumentation used across:

Aerospace

Automotive

Electronics manufacturing

Precision engineering

Medical device manufacturing

Robotics and research sectors

Our 85,000 sq. ft purpose-built Global HQ in Surrey houses state-of-the-art R&D labs, optical benches, prototyping facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations. We also operate internationally across Europe, North America and Asia.

With 68 years of engineering excellence and multiple Queen s Awards, we continue to invest heavily in R&D and innovation resulting in ongoing global patent generation and market-leading products.

Apply by emailing your CV to Lee Evans at Inception Pro

Call Lee on DD number