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At Leonardo, we have a range of fantastic new opportunities for Optical Engineers, at various levels, to join our team in Essex. Leonardo is a global high-tech company & one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence & Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are based in the UK. Leonardo is an international leader in the development of cutting edge sensor products deployed across a wide range of airborne platforms for our Aerospace and Defence customers.

As an Optical Engineer you will join our world class optics & laser development team which provides leading-edge solutions into the global defence sector. The extensive product range includes electro-optic targeting & surveillance, targeting lasers & high-energy laser delivery systems. Each of these products are based upon sophisticated & complex optical design solutions created by our UK team & manufactured in our state of the art facilities in Essex & Edinburgh.

The primary base of work will be Basildon (Essex) with opportunities to work across other UK sites.

This position comes during an exciting period of technology development & 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

To find out about all of our Company benefits please visit: https://uk.leonardocompany.com/en/people-careers/life-at-leonardo/company-benefits

You will be involved in the research, design, development and manufacture phases of the product lifecycle. You will assume responsibility for the delivery of all optical design aspects of a product whilst working within a multidisciplinary project team where you will collaborate closely with other domain experts. You will champion rigorous optical engineering approaches and drive the delivery of robust and cost-effective design solutions. You will have a great opportunity to liaise with the customer community and have regular interactions with the external supply chain.

As an Optical Engineer you will contribute to system architecture definition, specify and develop lens designs, carry out analysis and performance simulations. You will also support the integration and test of systems and work closely with manufacturing colleagues and suppliers to ensure the delivery of high quality products.

You will provide capability in modelling or designing imaging lenses and optical systems using appropriate commercial tools such as ZEMAX Opticstudio, CodeV or equivalent. You will provide practical skills in a laboratory or manufacturing environment and often engage with external stakeholders. You will be provided with the environment to work your own initiative within a project team environment and demonstrate ownership of work packages.

You 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 you to have some experience in novel infrared materials as well as a comprehensive understanding of conventional material properties.

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

B.Sc. in Physics or Opto-electronics (Essential)
M.Sc. or PhD in an applied optics field (Desirable)
B. Sc. in Physics or Optoelectronics
M. Sc or PhD in an applied optics field

A good grounding in classical optics principles is required and knowledge of lasers is an advantage. Lens Design and Optical Analysis skills are an advantage as well as knowledge of the practical aspects of system alignment, integration and test. An appreciation of the mechanical and electrical designs associated with electro-optical systems is beneficial whilst involvement in the manufacture of optical systems either in one-off or volume manufacture is a distinct advantage.

The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Progression

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.

Diversity Statement

We are relentless about inclusion. We understand an inclusive environment is one that welcomes everyone as they are. We see diversity as a strength. We still have some way to go to achieving diverse teams across our whole business. We would like you to be part of our journey to creating that better balance and welcome applications from all individuals from all walks of life as we build a stronger company together.

Life at Leonardo

Our UK locations

Committed to Inclusion