Principal Photonics Engineer
Location: Torquay, Devon
Competitive Salary up to £70,000
Onsite 5x days per week with a 2pm finish on a Friday
** You must have lived in the UK for more than 3 years to work with defence clients**
We are seeking a Principal Photonics Engineer to join our dynamic team based in Torquay.
The ideal candidate will possess a diverse skill set and work within the optics and fibre-optic R&D team. You will be a technical expert, with a comprehensive understanding of optical fibres and their properties, experienced with optical fibre fusion and tapering methods. Leading on the development of novel fibre-optic based products including high-reliability components and devices for the industrial, aerospace & defence (A&D) and bio-photonics market segments. You will be capable of working under your own initiative – a self-starter, able to progress projects and trouble-shoot problems with little supervision. The role offers a wide variety of activity, from involvement in initial product concepts, product development and customer interaction. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary and cross-functional team developing new, cutting-edge products for applications in terrestrial and space-based optical communications, industrial sensing and biomedical imaging, which will continue to drive and deliver sustained revenue growth.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Design and develop world leading fibre-optic and photonic components and devices using appropriate design tools and experimental test
- Develop and enhance our fused fibre-optic coupler products
- Contribute to cohesive product development strategy which provides the site with the market offering to meet business growth objectives
- Work within a multidisciplinary team including mechanical and electronic design engineers as well as product engineers and technicians
- Active involvement in prototype builds – including operating fusion rigs, fibre-optic splicing, mechanical / electrical assembly and opto-electronic test
- Develop and execute test plans for functional and environmental qualification of components for high-reliability applications
- Support design modification and engineering changes to existing products
- Present results clearly and concisely for both internal and external customers
- Deliver projects to plan and within budget constraints
Your skills, attributes and qualifications will include:
- Degree in Engineering or Physics, PhD in relevant area preferred
- Comprehensive understanding of optical fibres and their properties, including single-mode SM, PM, MM, PCF, Multi-Core
- Experience in glass processing techniques e.g. fibre optic tapering and fusion processes
- Knowledge and experience in fibre-optics, photonics and associated materials properties.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse complex technical and materials challenges
- In depth knowledge of optical testing equipment and processes in relation to optical fibres.
- Knowledge of reliability issues associated optical fibre and components, including understanding of proof testing, harsh condition aging, crack growth etc. and familiarity with wear-out modelling, FIT rates
- Ability to devise engineering process techniques aimed at high yield, reliability and performance requirements
- Well organised, with the ability to hit tight deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail
- Driven, self-motived and autonomous with a ‘Can-do’ attitude
- Must be able to communicate at all levels both written and oral
As well as a competitive salary and training, company benefits include;
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension pays 6%
- Company bonus scheme
- Health Cash Plan
How to apply:
Please send a CV to
