Principal Optical Engineer
Based – St. Asaph
Salary - £49- £54k pa
Principal Accountabilities
Our client specializes in the design, manufacture and build of high-end optical components and optical systems, supplying optics and instrumentation to science-based institutions, mostly in the UK and Europe, and to major aerospace companies within Europe. This vacancy is for an individual with a postgraduate physical sciences background, with previous industrial or academic experience in optical and instrument design to join the company.
The successful candidate will be a key member of a small, highly skilled team of experienced engineers working on the design and manufacture of high specification optics and optical systems. These optics and optical systems will be deployed in astronomical and physical science institutions, and airborne or spaceborne applications.
The Principal Optical Engineer will be responsible for leading work at all levels within the Optical Design department, including the negotiation of design input with customers and responsibility for final contractual sign-off on major commercial optical projects. The post holder will be accountable for preparing reports for the Board, overseeing risk analysis and management, and providing technical leadership.
Key Tasks
Commercial
1. Lead the assessment of technical requirements for optical components and systems.
2. Lead customer-facing meetings in respect of the definition and analysis of technical requirements.
3. Lead the assessment of manufacturability of optical component prescriptions/drawings.
4. Lead the costing and planning of the manufacture of optics.
Design
1. Lead or be part of a team to develop the optical design of instrumentation and optical test systems as required.
2. Where required, lead the design for manufacture of optical components, including the definition of optical prescription.
3. Where required, lead the analysis of required tolerances, both optical and mechanical.
4. Where required, lead the verification of conformance to technical requirements.
Integration and Test
1. Define conformance testing for optics and optical systems.
2. Lead the definition and documentation of integration of instrumentation, including fixturing and verification.
3. Where required, lead the laboratory integration and characterization of optical test systems.
4. Where required, lead the laboratory integration and characterization of optical instrumentation.
5. Be responsible for the laboratory verification of conformance as appropriate.
Metrology
1. Be responsible for devising and using optical interference techniques to measure irregularity and surface form of complex optical surfaces.
2. Be able to select commercial-off-the-shelf components to build contact and optical test setups.
3. Lead the design and development of specific optical test processes and procedures.
4. Apply an understanding of measurement uncertainties and statistical analysis methods.
Research and Development
1. Support commercial R&D efforts by delivering cutting-edge optical design expertise.
2. Where required, lead collaborative research programs to enhance the center’s technical capabilities.
Team Management
1. Supervise contract employees and manage their work plans, targets, and deliverables.
2. Provide training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for staff and students.
Capacity Management
1. Manage capacity planning, ensuring the optical design team's capabilities align with project demands.
2. Collaborate with the program manager on resource allocation and workload distribution.
Documentation and Communication
1. Be responsible for accurately recording the design of instrumentation and test systems.
2. Report writing and formal presentation of work must be of a standard suitable for issue to customers.
3. Write work instructions for peers, where applicable.
Health and Safety
1. The successful applicant is expected to work in a laboratory environment with delicate and high-value equipment.
2. Act in support of the University’s Health, Safety and Environment Policy.
3. Understand and write Risk Assessments in line with processes developed.
Personal Attributes
1. Be able to lead or work effectively within a team to deliver quantitative results.
2. Be able to problem-solve effectively within a team structure.
3. To be able to clearly communicate technical ideas and concepts to colleagues and the customer.
External Relations
Foster and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, enhancing the centre’s visibility and reputation in the optical engineering field.
Special Features
The post holder may be required to travel occasionally, both nationally and internationally for business needs.
General Duties
You will ensure that appropriate management systems and procedures are in place to meet your health and safety duties. It is the responsibility of employees to apply the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy in their own area of responsibility.
Hours of work are 37 in total – Monday to Friday.
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