Optical Systems Engineer

Archangel Lightworks Ltd.; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge technology company is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to design laser communication terminals and manage optical subsystems. Candidates should have strong optical design skills using Zemax and hands-on experience with photonic components. This role offers hybrid working options, 25 days of annual leave, and opportunities for equity in a growing start-up.

Benefits

25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays

Equity options in a growing start-up

Investment in training resources and budget

Regular socials and weekly team lunch

Qualifications

• Experience defining requirements on optical systems and performing trade studies.
• Hands-on lab experience designing and testing optical systems.
• Understanding of relevant protocols like CCSDS and SpaceWire.

Responsibilities

• Design laser communication terminal optical/photonic sub-systems.
• Conduct practical breadboard testing to validate modeled data.
• Manage suppliers of optical and photonic components.

Skills

Optical design/analysis using Zemax

Hands-on experience with photonic components

Experience with electronics for optoelectronic systems

Experience with high-power lasers

Experience with optical or RF communication systems

Job description

Optical Systems Engineer

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We’re passionate about improving humanity’s communications infrastructure and solving some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Our start‑up is fast‑paced and supportive, where you can make your mark as part of a growing team and work on the cutting‑edge of innovation.

Base pay range: This range is provided by Archangel Lightworks. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Role: We’re looking for an Optical Engineer with design and Assembly Integration & Test experience to join our engineering team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. You will be responsible for the development of our optical subsystems, from requirements definition to testing in the field. In this role, you will work closely with our Lead Systems Engineer and optical engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Design of laser communication terminal optical/photonic sub‑systems for extreme environments.
• Requirement definition and trade‑off analysis for complex optical systems, finding the optimal balance of performance against cost.
• Modeling of optical system performance, optimization and tolerancing.
• Conducting practical breadboard testing to validate modeled data.
• Assembling, integrating and testing subsystems.
• Supporting system‑level testing and trials.
• Being the subject matter expert for optical and photonic systems.
• Managing suppliers of optical and photonic components.
• Providing technical leadership of subsystem development projects.

Requirements

• Experience defining requirements on optical systems, modeling and performing trade studies to inform design selection.
• Optical design/analysis experience using Zemax or similar software for design, optimization and tolerancing (Sequential, non‑sequential desirable).
• Hands‑on experience with photonic components and systems, including lasers (CW and pulsed), optical detectors/receivers, modulators, and fibre/free‑space optics, with a solid understanding of underlying physical principles and performance trade‑offs.
• Hands‑on lab experience designing and carrying out tests for relevant optical systems.
• Experience with electronics for optoelectronic systems, including analogue front‑ends, high‑speed data converters, embedded/FPGAs, and power/EMI/thermal considerations.
• Experience with optical or RF communication systems, including modulation schemes, error correction, FPGA/SDR modem implementation, and relevant protocols (e.g. CCSDS, SpaceWire, Ethernet).
• Experience with high‑power lasers, optical amplifiers, and relevant safety requirements.
• Experience with optical instrument calibration and alignment, and procedure definition.

Location

Hybrid with travel when required. Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford.

Benefits

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting‑edge technology to support a world‑changing vision.
• Options for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you.
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.
• Equity options in a growing start‑up.
• Investment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budget.
• Supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibility.
• Regular socials and weekly team lunch.
• Variety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.

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