Senior Optical Engineer

Principal Photonics Engineer

Location: Torquay, Devon

Competitive Salary up to £70,000

Onsite 5x days per week with a 2pm finish on a Friday

** You must have lived in the UK for more than 3 years to work with defence clients**

We are seeking a Principal Photonics Engineer to join our dynamic team based in Torquay.

The ideal candidate will possess a diverse skill set and work within the optics and fibre-optic R&D team. You will be a technical expert, with a comprehensive understanding of optical fibres and their properties, experienced with optical fibre fusion and tapering methods. Leading on the development of novel fibre-optic based products including high-reliability components and devices for the industrial, aerospace & defence (A&D) and bio-photonics market segments. You will be capable of working under your own initiative – a self-starter, able to progress projects and trouble-shoot problems with little supervision. The role offers a wide variety of activity, from involvement in initial product concepts, product development and customer interaction. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary and cross-functional team developing new, cutting-edge products for applications in terrestrial and space-based optical communications, industrial sensing and biomedical imaging, which will continue to drive and deliver sustained revenue growth.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design and develop world leading fibre-optic and photonic components and devices using appropriate design tools and experimental test
• Develop and enhance our fused fibre-optic coupler products
• Contribute to cohesive product development strategy which provides the site with the market offering to meet business growth objectives
• Work within a multidisciplinary team including mechanical and electronic design engineers as well as product engineers and technicians
• Active involvement in prototype builds – including operating fusion rigs, fibre-optic splicing, mechanical / electrical assembly and opto-electronic test
• Develop and execute test plans for functional and environmental qualification of components for high-reliability applications
• Support design modification and engineering changes to existing products
• Present results clearly and concisely for both internal and external customers
• Deliver projects to plan and within budget constraints

Your skills, attributes and qualifications will include:

• Degree in Engineering or Physics, PhD in relevant area preferred
• Comprehensive understanding of optical fibres and their properties, including single-mode SM, PM, MM, PCF, Multi-Core
• Experience in glass processing techniques e.g. fibre optic tapering and fusion processes
• Knowledge and experience in fibre-optics, photonics and associated materials properties.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse complex technical and materials challenges
• In depth knowledge of optical testing equipment and processes in relation to optical fibres.
• Knowledge of reliability issues associated optical fibre and components, including understanding of proof testing, harsh condition aging, crack growth etc. and familiarity with wear-out modelling, FIT rates
• Ability to devise engineering process techniques aimed at high yield, reliability and performance requirements
• Well organised, with the ability to hit tight deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail
• Driven, self-motived and autonomous with a ‘Can-do’ attitude
• Must be able to communicate at all levels both written and oral

As well as a competitive salary and training, company benefits include;

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension pays 6%
• Company bonus scheme
• Health Cash Plan

How to apply:

Please send a CV to