The Opportunity
At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Optical Engineer. 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 7,000 are based in the UK.
The successful candidate will join our world class Optical Engineering Team as a Principal Optical Engineer, where they will help the Team deliver leading-edge solutions into the global defence sector.
The extensive product range includes electro-optic targeting & surveillance, targeting lasers and high-energy laser delivery systems.
Each of these products are based upon sophisticated and complex optical design solutions created by our UK team and manufactured in our state of the art facilities in Essex and Edinburgh.
The primary base of work will be Essex with opportunities to work across other UK sites.
This position comes during an exciting period of technology development and business growth, resulting in real opportunities for continuous career development.
As an organisation that places great emphasis on personal development, you will receive on the job training with the opportunity to be upskilled to develop your skill set.
There is also opportunity to receive additional training through taught courses, subject to business needs.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
Each employee has access to a wide choice of lifestyle, health and wellbeing options best suited to their individual lifestyle goals.
To find out about all of our Company benefits please visit our website
Take that next step in your professional career and join an organisation that takes great pride in their employees, implements successful development plans and offers a great work life balance.
What you will do
assuming responsibility for the delivery of all optical design aspects of a product whilst working within a multidisciplinary project team where they will collaborate closely with other domain experts.
They champion rigorous Optical Engineering approaches and drive the delivery of robust and cost-effective design solutions.
They are often required to liaise with the customer community and have regular interactions with the external supply chain.
The Optical Engineer contributes to system architecture definition, specifies and develops lens designs, carries out analyses and performance simulations, supports the integration and test of systems, including fixture and tool design, and works closely with manufacturing colleagues and suppliers to ensure the delivery of high quality products.
The Optical Engineer provides capability in modelling or designing imaging lenses and optical systems using appropriate commercial tools such as ZEMAX Opticstudio, ASAP, CodeV or equivalent.
They provide practical skills in a laboratory and manufacturing environment; where required engage with external stakeholders including customers and suppliers.
Principal Optical Engineers are expected to be able to work to their own initiative within a project team environment and demonstrate ownership of work packages.
The successful candidate will ideally have experience in creating passively athermalised infrared imaging lenses that are steered about a field of regard while retaining a static camera core.
It is desirable for the successful candidate to have some experience in novel infrared materials as well as a comprehensive understanding of conventional material properties.
Security Clearance
You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit :
government / publications / united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels
What we are looking for
This vacancy may close at any time, if this role is of interest to you, we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
Life at Leonardo
Discover life at Leonardo a company for extraordinary people
Our UK locations
We have offices around the UK, including Basildon, Bristol, Edinburgh, Lincoln, Luton, Southampton and Yeovil
Committed to Inclusion
We are committed to creating a working environment that is designed to provide everyone with the opportunity to succeed.
Meet our People
Find out more about some of the individuals who make up our talented and diverse workforce
Discover more about Leonardo
Diversity at Leonardo
At Leonardo, we choose inclusion and provide a workplace where everyone can be themselves
Company Benefits
No matter what your lifestyle choices, Leonardo offers a set of company benefits to suit every individual
Investors in People
We value our people for their skills, their experience and their perspective
Flexible Working
We recognise that one size does not fit all’ and so we offer a flexible working environment where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential
Skills Education
Our STEM ambassadors are committed to inspiring the next generation of talented engineers
Opportunities for the Military
From veterans to reservists and cadets, Leonardo provides career opportunities for those who chose to serve our nation
