Lead Optical Design Engineer

Job description

My client is looking for a Lead Optical Design Engineer, focusing on optical system architecture and design. You will be working across working across simulation, modelling, and system validation, and lead end-to-end optical design in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of transmission and projection optical systems
• Model coherent light propagation through multi-element systems
• Analyse and mitigate optical aberrations and performance limitations
• Define tolerances and simulation methodologies
• Establish testing and validation frameworks
• Work with cross-functional teams across simulation, hardware, and systems
• Drive technical direction of optical system design

Requirements

• Experience as an optical designer with strong use of Zemax OpticStudio
• Experience designing projection optics and holography-based systems
• Ability to model light propagation through diffractive optical elements
• Understanding of both ray tracing and electromagnetic/FDTD-based modelling approaches
• Proven experience designing optical components across the full lifecycle
• Experience with design for manufacture (DFM), tolerancing, and material selection
• Ability to work independently on optical design problems

Desirable

• Experience working with ultraviolet (UV) optical systems
• Combined experience in holography and UV optics

This is an onsite position located in Edinburgh.

If you are interested, contact Ella Flynn @ IC Resources for more details.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Edinburgh

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

02-04-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English