Optical Systems Engineer

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Role Summary

Job Title:

Optical Systems Engineer

People Responsibility:

None

Reports to:

Head of Hardware

Base Location:

Portishead

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Optical Systems Engineer is to provide optical expertise within the Hardware design team, to ensure successful and timely release of new devices into the market, and providing support for existing devices through the product lifecycle by:

· Transferring architectures from optical research to hardware design phase as new devices move from concept research into product design.

· Applying optical science to the product design and qualification processes.

· Expediting the transition of new devices into production by developing appropriate optical test strategies, equipment, and methodology.

· Supporting existing product lines by contribution to ongoing improvement and manufacture, and characterisation for new applications.

Key Accountabilities

1. Take optical architecture concepts developed by research team and determine engineering requirements to inform the product design process.

2. Based on the requirements, produce optical schematic diagrams and detailed specifications, identifying suitable COTS parts or working with our partners to develop custom parts to deliver the specifications, taking ease of manufacture and cost into account throughout.

3. Carry out lab tests and measurements to characterise system elements to inform the design process and validate design decisions.

4. Ensure product compliance with laser safety standards by working with the wider design team through the design process to ensure regulatory requirements are met, producing detailed documentation to evidence compliance, and liaising with external test bodies as required.

5. Working with the wider team, develop test equipment and processes for use in the manufacturing process.

6. Devise and carry out lab experiments and setups to measure system performance. Analyse resulting data using standard tools, or with specific Matlab routines as appropriate.

7. Either liaise with an external expert point of contact for, or act as, the Laser Safety Officer for OptaSense Portishead, and promote proper laser safety practices across the business;

8. Develop & Maintain knowledge of the function and operation of the current products offered by Optasense to provide response to technical queries relating to the optical operation of OptaSense technologies to support manufacture, repair, and sales teams.

Key Capabilities/Knowledge

1. Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to liaise clearly and succinctly across disciplines.

2. Knowledge of the physics of optics, optical devices and particularly fibre optics. Understanding of the theory and practice of optical amplifiers advantageous.

3. Capable of using laboratory equipment to construct and perform complex opto-electronic and fibre-optic experiments.

4. Knowledge of safe working practices for fibre laser systems. Familiarity with IEC/EN 60825 an advantage.

5. Understanding of signal processing techniques and methods.

6. Knowledge of Matlab or similar high-level language.

7. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

8. Ability to determine what is important for delivering our goals and prioritise these items for action.

Experience & Qualifications

1. Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering or similar (or equivalent experience)

2. Practical experience with Optical Fibre Technologies, ideally for sensing applications

3. Experience of data and numerical analysis and modelling using Matlab or similar language

4. Hands on experience with sophisticated lab equipment (Oscilloscopes, Singal Generators, Optical Spectrum Analysers etc) and working with complex experimental apparatus

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £40,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Portishead, Somerset: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Electrical Engineering: 2 years (required)