Optical Engineer

ECM Selection
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Today
£55,000 – £70,000 pa

Salary

£55,000 – £70,000 pa

Posted
8 Oct 2026 (Today)

Integrating optical technologies to help defend critical infrastructure

This fast-growing company is leveraging AI and other advanced technologies to help protect critical national infrastructure (both civilian and military) from rapidly evolving threats such as drone incursions. To help bring their projects to fruition, they are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to join their multidisciplinary development team.

In this hands-on engineering role, you will design systems incorporating lasers, lenses, and cameras. You will co-operate closely with colleagues from disciplines such as electronics, software, and AI, taking products from initial concepts through verification and trouble-shooting to production-readiness. To thrive in this role, you will need to combine excellent theoretical knowledge with an enthusiasm and aptitude for practical engineering.

This is a great opportunity to help bring high technology products to market that will help deter threats and keep the public safe. Joining a fast growing company will provide scope for career growth and expanding your portfolio of skills.

You will need:

• An excellent academic background with a 1st class degree in Physics, Electronics, or similar subject and a strong theoretical understanding of optics and optical engineering

• Practical hands-on optical engineering experience including lasers (and laser safety!), lenses, and beam paths. You will be taking designs beyond the optical bench stage, integrating optical components with supporting electromechanical systems

• Self motivation and the the ability to take the initiative in driving your work forward

• Ideally, some exposure to using machine learning techniques for machine vision

• Full, existing UK work permission, a driving licence, and the ability to obtain a UK security clearance

The role is based south of Cambridge in the near term, later moving to offices in central Cambridge. A highly competitive package is on offer to the successful candidate.

Keywords: Optics, lasers, cameras, machine vision, national security, Cambridge

Another top job from ECM, the high-tech recruitment experts.

Even if this job's not quite right, do contact us now - we may well have the ideal job for you. To discuss your requirements call ecm or email your CV. We will always ask before forwarding your CV.

Please apply (quoting ref: CV27734) only if you are eligible to live and work in the UK. By submitting your details you certify that the information you provide is accurate

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