Optical Instrumentation Engineer (Photonics)

TL;DR

Optical Instrumentation Engineer (Photonics): Designing and building novel optical analytical instruments for personalized medicine with an accent on Raman, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Focus on system integration, precision alignment, and prototyping of high-performance diagnostic platforms.

Location: Based in London, UK

Company

AI-powered platform transforming precision medicine for complex diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.

What you will do

• Design, build, align, and calibrate novel optical analytical instruments (Raman, FTIR, fluorescence) from concept to validation.
• Solve optical and mechanical design challenges through rapid prototyping and custom fixture creation.
• Integrate optics with detectors, light sources, electronics, fluidics, and software control.
• Plan and execute experiments to optimize SNR, resolution, and stability.
• Act as the in-house subject-matter expert for spectroscopy and system architecture.
• Maintain design files, BOMs, and support IP filings and manufacturing hand-off.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or exceptional MSc) in Physics, Optics/Photonics, or Nanoscience.
• 3+ years of industry experience building complex optical systems in a lab environment.
• Practical knowledge of Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, or scattering instrumentation.
• Strong skills in opto-mechanics, precision alignment, and thermal/vibration management.
• Experience with data acquisition and control using Python, Matlab, C++, or LabVIEW.
• Must be based in London, UK to perform physical assembly and calibration.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in optical and mechanical CAD (Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks/Onshape).
• Experience maturing prototypes toward production (DfX) and mentoring junior engineers.
• Knowledge of fiber optics, micro-optics, microfluidics, or signal processing.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible environment with adaptable working hours and a strong remote work culture.
• Private healthcare insurance for employees.
• Weekly happy hours with provided food and drinks, plus free coffee and snacks.
• Opportunity to work in a world-class deep-tech startup recognized by Financial Times and CB Insights.