Optical Systems Engineer

About the role

We are looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to join our engineering team in Oxford and lead the development of laser‑communication optical subsystems from concept through field testing. You will work closely with the Product Technical Lead and the optical engineering group to deliver high‑performance, space‑qualified hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Design laser‑communication terminal optical and photonic subsystems for extreme environments.
• Define requirements, perform trade‑off analyses and optimise performance versus cost.
• Model, optimise and tolerance optical system performance using tools such as Zemax.
• Conduct breadboard testing to validate models and integrate subsystems.
• Assemble, integrate and test optical components, supporting system‑level trials.
• Manage suppliers of optical and photonic parts and provide technical leadership on subsystem projects.

Required profile

• Proven experience defining requirements, modelling and performing trade studies for optical systems.
• Hands‑on experience with photonic components (lasers, detectors, modulators, fibre/free‑space optics) and laboratory testing.
• Experience assembling, integrating and testing optical subsystems and managing component suppliers.

Required skills

• Zemax or equivalent optical design and tolerancing software (sequential and non‑sequential).
• Laser operation (continuous‑wave and pulsed) and optical detector/receiver knowledge.
• Fibre and free‑space optics integration, including modulators and alignment procedures.
• Optical system performance modelling, optimisation and tolerance analysis.
• Electronics for optoelectronic systems (analogue front‑ends, high‑speed data converters, embedded/FPGAs).
• Knowledge of optical or RF communication protocols (CCSDS, SpaceWire, Ethernet) and modulation schemes.

What we offer

• Work on cutting‑edge optical systems that support a world‑changing vision.
• Collaborative, transparent culture with strong cross‑functional links.
• Regular socials and a weekly company lunch.
• Professional development and growth within a specialist engineering field.
• Competitive salary, benefits package and equity options in a fast‑growing start‑up.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.