Optical Engineer

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Leonardo for an Optical Engineer (All Levels) to join our Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business. Based in Edinburgh, you'll be part of a globally recognised team, working at the cutting edge of defence electronics. With a focus on mission-critical systems such as radars, lasers, and infrared countermeasures, you will be joining a world-class optics and laser development team, contributing to projects that have a direct impact on global defence systems.

Our product range includes targeting lasers, stabilised laser delivery systems, and electro-optic imaging and surveillance solutions. This role offers the chance to work on advanced technology projects at a time of significant innovation and growth within the business.

The Role
As an Optical Engineer, you will be involved in the full product lifecycle, from initial research and concept design through to development, manufacturing, and integration. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and designing compact optical systems using the latest technologies to meet new business opportunities.
• Contributing to system architecture definitions, specifying and developing lens designs, and performing detailed analysis and performance simulations.
• Leading the optical design of products, ensuring they meet project requirements and are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, to ensure the successful integration of optical systems.
• Supporting the manufacturing and testing of optical systems, working closely with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Using industry-standard tools such as ZEMAX OpticStudio, CodeV, or similar to design and model optical systems.
• Working with the external supply chain to ensure successful delivery of materials and components.

This is a hands-on role where you will have the opportunity to lead work packages, contribute to project planning, and engage directly with customers and suppliers to ensure project success.

What You'll Ideally Bring:
To be successful in this role, you will need the following skills and experience:

• Experience in lens design and optical analysis, with a strong background in optical product development or applied optical research.
• A solid understanding of the practical aspects of system alignment, integration, and testing.
• Proven experience designing and manufacturing optical systems using commercial tools like ZEMAX or CodeV.
• Knowledge of the mechanical and electrical challenges associated with electro-optical systems.
• A good grasp of classical optics principles, particularly with regards to SWIR or MIR optical systems.
• Previous experience of taking an optical design from concept through to production.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Technical proposal writing experience and an understanding of project budgeting and team leadership.

Qualifications

• Essential: A Master's degree in a related field (e.g. Physics).
• Desirable: A PhD with a significant focus on applied optics.

Benefits:

• lexible Working: Hybrid working options, flexible hours, and part-time opportunities.
• Company Funded Benefits: Private healthcare, dental schemes, lifestyle benefits, and an annual allowance of 500 for additional flexible benefits.
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue up to 12 flexi leave days per year.
• Pension: Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, free mental health support, financial wellbeing support, and network groups focused on diversity and inclusion.
• Lifestyle: Discounted gym membership and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Training: Free access to over 4000 online courses through Coursera.
• Referral Incentive: Earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member.
• Bonus Scheme: Available for all employees at management level and below.

Even If you feel like you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to reach out an apply.