Senior Optical Designer

Package: £58,050-£64,500 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits

Role ID: SF20716

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Optical Engineer at our Malvern site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will play a key role in developing advanced optical systems that support the next generation of defence and security technologies. You'll lead the design, development and industrialisation of sophisticated optical solutions, helping transform innovative concepts into deployable products that make a real-world impact.

Day-to-day, you'll work as part of our Laser and Optical Sensors and Communications team, leading optical design activities, collaborating with manufacturing partners, and helping bring complex optical systems from prototype through to production. You'll apply your expertise across optical modelling, tolerance analysis, integration and testing while supporting a variety of research, development and product programmes

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading the optical design and development of advanced optical telescopes and sensor systems

Conducting optical modelling, optimisation, tolerance analysis and stray light assessments using Zemax OpticStudio

Developing manufacturing, alignment and test strategies for scalable production

Working closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to industrialise optical products

Supporting research, development and product delivery programmes across a variety of projects

Providing technical leadership, proposal support and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams

Essential experience of the Senior Optical Engineer:

Extensive experience using Zemax OpticStudio to design and analyse complex free-space optical systems

Proven experience taking optical designs from concept and prototype through to manufacture and production

Strong understanding of optical tolerancing and design-for-manufacture principles

Experience working with optical component suppliers and manufacturing partners

Practical experience of optical integration, alignment and test activities

Experience with fibre-optic systems and opto-mechanical integration

Essential qualifications for the Senior Optical Engineer:

Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at our Malvern site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week.

The Malvern facility is noted for its work in electronic warfare, surveillance and complex system integration, contributing significantly to the UK’s defence capabilities. Developing technologies for military and civilian applications, including sensors, communications and cyber security.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Our Recruitment Process:

At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing internal_recruitment@qinetiq.com. One of our recruitment team will contact you.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture. www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Our Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance

Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days

Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance

Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more

We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

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