Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer

Lumoptica Limited; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing optical technology company in Bristol seeks a Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer to lead R&D projects, manage a team, and engage in business development activities. The role requires a significant understanding of lasers and optical systems, and the ability to communicate technical results to various stakeholders. This position emphasizes integrity, professional development, and offers hybrid working arrangements along with a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Hybrid working (3 days on site, 2 days WFH)

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Regular socials and fun 'away-days'

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Use of company pool e-bike for commuting/leisure

Qualifications

• Significant understanding of lasers and optical systems, ideally free-space optical.
• Experience in leading R&D projects with resource and budget management.
• Ability to peer-review deliverables ensuring quality in reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects and field technical enquiries.
• Present project results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Report directly to the CEO, contributing to business development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Technology learning

Business development insight

Job description

LumOptica is a growing laser and optical technology company. We work with some of the largest technology companies in the world and the UK MOD as well as running exciting in‑house innovation projects. We firmly believe light can and will be used to make the world a safer and better place and we’re looking for people to join us on our mission.

The Role

Using your significant breadth of understanding of general optical and laser principles you will take a lead in planning and running R&D projects, fielding technical enquiries, assessing their feasibility and proposing statements of work in response. You will also present project results to stakeholders which includes both technical and non‑technical audiences.

As Lead Optical Physicist/Engineer you will report directly to the CEO and in addition to the technical requirements of this role, you will also have the opportunity to line‑manage other team members and/or to contribute to business development activities.

• You must be eligible to obtain UK security clearance (you must be a UK National and ideally have been resident within the UK for at least the last five years).

Experience

• Significant breadth of understanding of lasers and optical systems, ideally free‑space optical and high power
• Interpreting detailed technical information to convey to both technical and non‑technical colleagues and stakeholders
• Leading R&D projects including resource, budgets and timeline management
• Peer‑reviewing for company deliverables to ensure quality in reports and presentations
• Experience in optical design and/or an understanding of fibre optics is also highly desirable although not essential

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent analytical skills with an eye for detail and accuracy
• Flexibility to contribute beyond your own core role to ensure the success of the team
• Professional but thoughtful communication style and strong rapport‑building skills
• The drive to learn new technologies and develop new skills
• An understanding of how to identify business development opportunities and assess the likelihood of successfully securing these opportunities
• The desire to share your experience and skills with less experienced members of the team in order to aid their development

How we Work

Transparency is integral to the way in which we communicate both internally and externally and this is evident in the way we manage our quarterly business reviews to the entire team and our monthly 121 and annual/mid‑year progress reviews.

Thoughtfulness is important in building strong relationships with our team, customers and partners and this means that we look out for each other and treat each other with kindness and respect.

We highly value integrity, and we strive to always do the right thing and to deliver what we say we will so that our clients and partners know they can rely on us. One of the ways that we ensure excellence is to invest in our people to ensure that they have the training and development that they need. In recognition of excellence, we offer a competitive salary and benefit package which includes a discretionary annual bonus. We are committed to continuing professional development and provide support in obtaining chartered status and the opportunity to attend and present at conferences.

We also offer the following benefits as part of the offer:

• Hybrid working (3 days on site, 2 days WFH)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Regular socials and fun “away‑days”
• Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme
• Use of company pool e‑bike for commuting/leisure

How to apply

Send CV and covering letter to [e-mail].