Senior Optical Measurement Systems Engineer United Kingdom Hampshire Romsey

Job description

Lead the architecture, development and validation of optical measurement systems for fibre and related products, with emphasis on hollow-core fibre and occasionally cable-level measurements. Apply fundamental science—including optics, materials science and measurement physics—to identify observable signatures, derive measurement principles and develop new characterisation methods for complex fibre systems. Translate physical models and measurement theory into test requirements, measurement methods, uncertainty budgets, calibration strategies, traceability plans and acceptance criteria. Bridge early theoretical and bench-top characterisation work to repeatable production test solutions, including optical and electronic hardware, instrument control, automation software, data pipelines, fixtures, safety controls and maintainability. Design experiments and interpret observations relevant to fibre characterisation, including attenuation, mode coupling and modal content, polarisation effects, interference and other light-matter interactions. Establish and maintain measurement-system-analysis practices, including gauge repeatability and reproducibility studies, correlation studies, reference artefacts, calibration controls, statistical process control and capability assessment. Apply control-systems fundamentals to sensing, actuation, feedback, stabilisation and automation, improving the performance and robustness of laboratory and production equipment. Drive technical investigations and root-cause analysis across relevant areas; communicate decisions and risks clearly, influence cross-functional partners, mentor engineers and improve shared engineering standards. Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience. Understanding of optical-fibre characterisation, light-scattering and related optical phenomena, together with control-systems fundamentals and the ability to lead complex technical work across teams. Demonstrated ability to develop hands-on optical measurement or characterisation systems, including laboratory instrumentation, experiment design, automation and data analysis. Experience in characterising optical fibres (hollow-core fibres would be a plus), fibre components or optical cable, using techniques such as cutback, OTDR or backscatter, modal, polarisation, interferometric or imaging measurements. Experience in converting research or prototype test methods into production equipment with appropriate throughput, reliability, serviceability, safety, data integrity and operational controls. Programming and test-automation experience using tools such as Python, C# or equivalent, including instrument communications, data pipelines, analysis and visualisation. Evidence of technical leadership at senior individual-contributor level: creating clarity in ambiguous problems, setting technical direction, influencing stakeholders, reviewing designs and mentoring other engineers.