Senior Systems Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
As a Senior Systems Engineer , you will take full system-level ownership of Opsydia's next-generation laser-photonics products. This is a technical leadership role spanning architecture, integration, verification, and productization, ensuring that complex opto-electro-mechanical subsystems come together into robust, high-performance solutions.
You will lead the definition, design, and delivery of complete systems, balancing photonics, precision mechanics, automation, software, reliability engineering, and manufacturability. Working across early-stage R&D, customer engagements, and product development, you will play a key role in shaping Opsydia's technical roadmap and maturing prototypes into deliverable, field-ready products.
Key Responsibilities
End - to - End Systems Ownership *
- Lead system architecture from concept through requirements, detailed design, prototyping, verification, and release.
- Develop system-level specifications, performance budgets, and risk models across optical, mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
- Define and drive processes for system integration, validation, and troubleshooting.
Ultrafast Laser & Photonics Systems *
- Integrate and optimise femtosecond laser sources for high-precision laser-matter interaction applications.
- Collaborate with laser manufacturers to define specifications, validate performance, and ensure long-term stability and repeatability.
- Manage system-level trade-offs involving beam delivery, adaptive optics, power stability, thermal management, and alignment tolerances.
Precision Motion & Opto - Mechanical Integration *
- Architect and integrate high-precision motion systems (piezo, air-bearing, linear motor) with sub-micron or nanometre-level stability.
- Oversee opto-mechanical design for robustness in industrial environments, ensuring vibration control, thermal stability, and reliability.
- Work closely with the Software Team to achieve coordinated laser-stage performance.
System Integration & Verification *
- Combine lasers, adaptive optics, motion control, electronics, and machine vision into fully functional, production-ready systems.
- Use optical modelling and simulation tools to optimise performance and minimise error sources.
- Develop verification plans, test procedures, and system-level fault analysis frameworks.
Automation, Control & Safety *
- Define system-level control methodologies and sequencing alongside the Software Team.
- Ensure full compliance with international laser safety standards and implement appropriate interlocks, monitoring, and diagnostic features.
- Contribute to automation and workflow design that enhances stability, repeatability, and throughput.
Requirements
You will have a deep technical background with extensive of experience in photonics, laser systems, or precision instrumentation, ideally holding an advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field. You take full accountability for delivering complex projects from concept to deployment, ensuring technical excellence and timely execution within a collaborative team environment., * Expertise in ultrafast laser applications, including femtosecond systems and adaptive optics.
- Proven experience developing and integrating precision motion-controlled stages for high-accuracy processes.
- Strong background in photonics-based applications, from fibre coupling to photonic integrated circuits.
- Ability to architect and optimise complex optical systems, including adaptive optics and machine vision elements.
- A proactive, solution-oriented approach to technical challenges.
- Exceptional organisational, documentation, and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
For this senior role, we expect applicants with significant experience in metrology, optics, and control systems, ideally with exposure to industrial-grade system integration and supplier engagement.
You might also have:
- Practical knowledge of adaptive optics for beam shaping and correction.
- Expertise in waveguide fabrication or optical fibre performance characterization.
- Familiarity with mechanical design and optical simulation tools.
- Proven ability to configure and optimize precision motion control systems (piezo, air-bearing, interferometric feedback).
- Competence in automation and scripting for system control (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
- Experience with advanced microscopy and analytical techniques.
- Track record of developing products and producing documentation for regulatory compliance.
- Understanding of intellectual property development and technology protection strategies.
- Previous involvement in project planning, risk assessment, and technical reporting., Please share if you have a declared disability, for example but not limited to: a social communication impairment such as autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD; a mental health condition, a sensory impairment affecting sight or hearing or a physical or mobility impairment.
Benefits & conditions
Salary range: £54,000-£58,000 dependant on experience., * Hybrid & flexible working arrangements
- Share option scheme
- Annual bonus scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Group Income Protection and Life Assurance
- Enhanced family leave
- Company matched pension contributions up to 5%. Salary sacrifice arrangement is available
- 25 days paid leave plus bank holidays
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Mental Health and Wellbeing support and activities
- Supported further study or training for your professional and personal development
- Volunteering opportunities
