Principal Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer Overview

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to spearhead the optical architecture for a cutting-edge holographic data storage platform. This position is based in London and requires a hands-on approach to take optical systems from prototype to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the optical architecture and design strategy for a holographic data storage platform.
• Define the optical design intent from initial concept through to production.
• Oversee optical development through Engineering Verification, Design Validation, and Production Validation phases.
• Review, approve, and sign off on Zemax optical designs before they are manufactured.
• Develop simulation-driven optical designs to replace iterative prototyping with a more robust design methodology.
• Establish optical performance metrics, tolerancing, error budgets, thermal and mechanical constraints, and calibration strategies.
• Optimize precision optical systems for encoding performance and system reliability.
• Balance optical performance with manufacturability, packaging, cost, and scalability.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and mechatronics engineers for system integration, alignment, and precision motion.
• Clearly define optical requirements and communicate them effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Drive products from prototype stages to scalable, manufacturable production.

Requirements

• Extensive industry experience in optical design or optical engineering.
• Strong proficiency in Zemax, including design, optimization, and tolerancing.
• Experience in making significant optical architecture or design decisions for hardware products.
• Proven track record of taking optical systems from prototype to verification, validation, or production-intent design.
• Ability to define optical performance budgets and calibration assumptions.
• Hands-on experience in building, aligning, testing, and validating optical systems.
• Understanding of design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly principles for optical hardware.
• Experience collaborating with optical suppliers regarding feasibility, tolerances, and component selection.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience leading through technical expertise rather than through formal management roles.
• Desirable: Familiarity with holography, optical encoding, or projection systems.
• Desirable: Experience with imaging systems, microscopes, or precision instrumentation.
• Desirable: Exposure to photonics, metrology, or advanced manufacturing systems.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave.
• Employer pension contributions.
• Competitive salary.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to Ella Flynn at IC Resources for further details.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship May be