Engineering Manager for Optical Engineering (Medical Devices)

Location: Bristol or London, UK; at least four days per week in the office, plus one flexible work-from-home day

Salary: £81,000–£118,000 per year plus equity

Company

hirify.global develops non-invasive neuromonitoring technology for continuous clinical measurement of human physiology and improved diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of optical engineers through concept, design, build, validation, and production transfer.
• Own the optical engineering function and the development of photonic and optical components for validated hardware.
• Perform optical modelling, tolerance analysis, simulation, and design for manufacture and assembly using Zemax, COMSOL, or equivalent tools.
• Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and verification and validation activities for optical subsystems.
• Manage optical interfaces with mechanical, electronic, and manufacturing subsystems and resolve integration challenges.
• Maintain optical design standards, documentation, development tools, and quality processes aligned with the company QMS.

Requirements

• 8+ years of optical engineering experience, including at least 2 years in team leadership or engineering management.
• Hands-on expertise in laser interferometry, coherent optical sensing, or related optical measurement techniques.
• Proficiency with optical simulation and modelling tools such as Zemax or COMSOL, with experience converting simulations into validated hardware.
• Strong knowledge of laser sources, photodetectors, fibre optics, beamsplitters, optical coatings, and photonic integrated circuits.
• Experience leading technical teams through the full product development lifecycle and working with cross-functional engineering, clinical, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Experience in a regulated industry and familiarity with ISO 14971, ISO 13485, and IEC 60601-1, plus production-scale precision manufacturing or assembly.

Nice to have

• Background in biophotonics, diffuse optical imaging, or optical coherence tomography.
• Experience miniaturising optical systems for portable or wearable hardware.
• Familiarity with cleanroom assembly, precision alignment, supplier management, or FDA pathways for optical medical devices.

Culture & Benefits

• AI is a core part of daily work, collaboration, and innovation.
• Company equity plan, salary-sacrifice pension, and private medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Group life assurance at four times annual income and comprehensive mental health support.
• Unlimited holiday allowance plus bank holidays and one week of remote working per quarter.
• Daily lunch vouchers, free dinners when working late, fresh fruit, snacks, drinks, and a YuLife subscription.