Principal Optical Engineer

Leonardo SpA; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

Job Description:

The Opportunity:

Leonardo UK have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Optical Engineer wishing to join the growing Dragonfire Team developing the UK's first generation of Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEW). This exciting role will be to support the technical maturation of LDEW optical capabilities, from tasks such as optical systems modelling, system alignment and verification. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a UK defence programme of critical national importance, and to shape the future of Leonardo UK.

Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare and surveillance across land, sea and air. Leonardo UK is pushing the technical boundaries associated with advanced tactical sensing and energy direction within the Dragonfire programme. The Dragonfire programme has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition and reducing the risk of collateral damage through advanced targeting capabilities. Dragonfire and other technologies being developed at Leonardo will increase the sovereign capability and will enable the next generation of military personnel to survive and operate in highly contested threat environments.

This role will be based out of Newcastle, but will require regular contact and availability to visit the core team based in Edinburgh.

The areas that the Principal Optical Engineer would be expected to get involved in include:

1. Development of Optical-Mechanical Concepts including system architecture definition, lens designs, analysis, and performance simulations.
2. Providing capability in modelling or designing imaging lenses and optical systems using appropriate commercial tools such as ZEMAX OpticStudio, CodeV or equivalent.
3. Development of test processes for engineering and/or operations build and alignment of the next phase of beam directors.
4. Develop and support system verification processes to ensure the beam directors are safe to fire.
5. Investigate new technologies and engineering capabilities to address emerging business opportunities.
6. Develop work packages to scope milestones and deliverables within a project team environment and demonstrate ownership of those work packages.

Skills and Experience

Applicants for the role will be expected to demonstrate that they have experience in the following areas:

1. Classical optics principles, demonstrated through relevant Masters-level qualifications.
2. 5+ years in optical engineering for commercial applications.
3. Techniques for Lens Design and Optical Analysis using appropriate commercial tools such as Ansys OpticStudio, CodeV, Fred or equivalent.
4. Implementation of a design process and life-cycle management across multiple products which includes an optical-mechanical system.
5. Development or verification of SWIR Optical Systems or multi-waveband optical systems.
6. Responsible for effectively communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.

Ideal Candidates will also have experience in the following areas:

1. Methods used to investigate optical transmission or reflectance of different optical coatings.
2. Methods used for stray light analysis and control.
3. Optical techniques for measuring and transmitted wavefront error.
4. Optical design of fiber to free-space optics.
5. Experience designing across a range of temperatures and environments.
6. Experience with technical proposal writing, project budgeting and team leadership.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

1. Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part-time opportunities, please talk to us.
2. Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
3. Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
4. Pension: Award-winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
5. Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers).
6. Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
7. Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera, Linkedin Learning, Ansys Learning Hub and Workday.
8. Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member.
9. Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below.

For a full list of our Company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people's full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo's future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.

Primary Location:
GB - Newcastle

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working:
Hybrid