Optical Systems Engineer

I am working with a globally renowned client, who are looking for an Optical Systems Engineer, based in Surrey. 🛰️As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will be focused on the development and delivery of advanced space-based optical payloads. You will cover optical system design, integration and verification. This is an exciting opportunity to support next-generation optical instruments for aerospace applications🛰️ Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development of optical payloads from concept through to manufacture, integration and verification
• Act as the technical lead for optical systems within multidisciplinary engineering programmes
• Define, manage and verify optical system requirements, interfaces and performance budgets
• Plan and execute optical metrology activities
• Support incoming inspection, build verification and system-level acceptance testing
• Lead or support environmental test campaigns
• Perform hands-on optical integration, alignment and assembly of flight hardware
• Develop verification and validation plans, risk registers and development schedules
• Own technical documentation including requirements matrices, test reports, analysis reports and build records
• Balance optical performance against programme, schedule and budget constraints
• Support optical architecture definition, component selection, supplier management and subsystem development
• Present technical progress, risks and performance status to customers and project stakeholders Experience Required
• Degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering or a related discipline
• Strong optical systems engineering experience within space, defence or high-performance imaging environments
• Experience owning optical system requirements, interfaces and verification activities
• Experience producing technical documentation including V&V plans, requirements matrices and test reports
• Strong understanding of optical engineering, electro-optics and imaging systems
• Experience managing technical work packages throughout the development lifecycle Desirable
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology and acceptance testing
• Optical design experience using Zemax OpticStudio
• Experience with optical analysis tools
• Understanding of opto-mechanical design, thermal effects and vibration sensitivity of optical systems
• Python scripting capability for automation or analysis tasks
• Knowledge of quality management systems and aerospace development processes
• Experience taking optical systems from concept through integration, test and customer acceptance Benefits include:
• 32 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Hybrid working model
• Private Healthcare for you and your family
• Company pension of 8%
• Annual company bonus scheme If you are interested, get in touch with Ella at IC Resources.