Company: Ilof

Location: London

Job Description:

Location: London. Full-time.

Design, build, align, and calibrate novel optical analytical instruments (e.g., Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, scattering) from concept and component selection through bench assembly and validation.
Solve optical/mechanical design challenges, design custom components/fixtures, and iterate rapidly to hit performance targets.
Integrate optics with detectors/light sources, motion/actuation, electronics, fluidics, and software control to deliver fully functional prototypes.
Plan and execute experiments; analyze data to troubleshoot and optimize SNR, resolution, stability, dynamic range; own verification against specifications.
Serve as in‑house subject‑matter expert for spectroscopy—advise on component selection (gratings, filters, objectives, fibers, detectors), system architecture, and experimental methodology.
Maintain design files, BOMs, alignment procedures, and test reports; ensure reproducibility; support IP filings and hand‑off to manufacturing.
Work closely with scientists, assay developers, data scientists, and QA/RA to ensure instruments meet biological, analytical, and regulatory needs.
Uphold lab/laser safety; support design controls and documentation aligned with ISO 13485 and related standards.
Track advances in spectroscopy/optics; prototype and evaluate new architectures to push platform capability.

Advanced degree (PhD or exceptional MSc) in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Nanoscience, or related engineering field.
3+ years industry experience designing, building, and operating complex optical systems from scratch in a lab environment.
Deep practical knowledge of Raman/FTIR/fluorescence/scattering instrumentation and how to build/align such systems.
Strong hands‑on skills in opto‑mechanics, precision alignment, stray‑light control, and thermal/vibration management.
Experience with data acquisition & control (e.g., Python, Matlab, C++, LabVIEW, pyVISA; motion stages/controllers).
Familiarity with optical & mechanical CAD (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks/Onshape) and tolerance analysis.
Experience maturing prototypes toward production (DfX, manufacturability, reliability) and mentoring junior engineers/scientists.
Advantages: fiber optics, micro‑optics, microfluidics, laser safety, electronics, and signal processing/statistics.
Builder’s mindset: hands‑on, resourceful, relentless about quality.
Low‑ego collaborator who elevates a multidisciplinary team.
Mission‑driven and patient‑centered, comfortable in a fast‑paced startup.

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Posted: June 3rd, 2026