Vacancy Detail

Optical Engineer - Ex Military

Are you an experienced leader in Photonics with a background in the military? Join our dynamic team at a rapidly growing company in the defence sector and play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge optical and photonics solutions. This role is also suitable for individuals looking to step into a leadership position.

Key Details:

• Role: Head of Photonics
• Terms: 37 hours per week, flexible working
• Location: Laboratory facility in Hampshire/Hybrid work available in Wiltshire & Hampshire

About Us: Our client born out of the defence sector, specialize in laser detection equipment. Our products warn users of visible and invisible laser threats, with protection filters for eyes and optics. Committed to becoming leaders, we are expanding our team and invite skilled professionals, including ex-military personnel, to join us in this exciting phase of growth.

The Role: As the Head of Photonics, you will be responsible for optical requirements, capture, and delivery of all optics and photonics within our products. This role is entirely technical and resides in the Research and Development space.

Responsibilities:

• Develop products in line with the Engineering Manager’s product roadmap.
• Research and Development of new and existing optics within our products.
• Investigate novel optics, sensors, and materials for our products.
• Build a multi-laser optical test rig and automate optical test scripts for increased volume production.
• Develop optical test procedures for each product.
• Plan, lead, and deliver field tests of our products.
• Test and evaluate optical components.
• Support analyses of competitor products to ensure our products have unique selling points.
• Translate user requirements/threat parameters into technical capability requirements.
• Work closely with Heads of Design, Hardware, Software, and the Engineering manager for a comprehensive system.
• Provide expertise to the marketing team for promotional material, product training, and technical collateral.
• Attend conferences, technical exhibitions, and international partnership meetings.
• Training and mentoring junior members of the team.

Qualifications:

• MS/BS degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent essential.
• PhD in a relevant field beneficial but not essential.

Skills and Experience:

• Deep understanding of Defence users' requirements for optical and photonics products.
• Experience maintaining an optical laboratory.
• 5+ years' experience operating, aligning, and testing high energy/power (class 4) laser systems.
• 5+ years' experience testing optics, cameras, photodiode sensors, and calibration of equipment.
• 5+ years' experience performing outdoor experimental field trials of equipment.
• Experience in programming languages for automation (e.g., Python or Lab-View).
• Experience in image and signal processing.
• 3-5 years of experience leading optical engineers/scientists.
• Working knowledge of Mechanical Design elements and analog electronics.
• Skilled at working with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualities:

• Ability to establish and develop a new role within an evolving organisation.
• Problem-solving skills and willingness to be 'hands-on' to get the job done.
• Proactive and working with initiative.
• Thrives on working collaboratively.
• Articulate and professional with good customer-facing communication skills.
• Analytical - able to take a concept and understand it in detail.
• Organised - able to stay on top of complex tasks with an eye for dependencies.
• Ability to obtain and hold UK SC Clearance as a minimum.

About Workforce Battalion: Workforce Battalion is a specialist military recruitment support, connecting ex-military personnel with opportunities in the UK. Explore diverse career opportunities with us

Location: Hampshire | Salary: 45000 - 55000 per year | Job type: Permanent | Posted: 14/12/2023