About Plessey Photonics
We’re building the hardware foundation for next-era computing.
Plessey Photonics Systems is built on our existing technology capabilities at Plessey, a world-leading technology company driving the next generation of photonic devices and systems. With over seventy years of innovation, we combine research, materials science, process engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. Plessey Photonics Systems is defining next-generation optical interconnect technologies.
Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing
Location
Based in Oxford
Our Values
Lead
We don’t follow industry trends; we create them, pushing boundaries and setting standards others aspire to. Every team member has the power to make decisions, drive change, and deliver excellence. We support each other, challenge one another for the best solutions, and lead by example. Together, we build industries and technologies that shape the future and scale toward our vision of the next era of computing.
Grow
We expand our capabilities every day — deepening our expertise, improving how we work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Curiosity fuels us: we question assumptions, explore new ideas, and innovate with light-based technologies. By investing in and empowering our people, we strengthen Plessey’s impact and help shape the future of optical technology.
Trust
We operate like a family—honest, reliable, and supportive. We have each other’s backs, own our actions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety. We trust each other to deliver, our customers to challenge us, and our expertise to guide the way. Together, trust enables the collaboration essential for breakthrough innovation and lasting impact.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Opto-Mechanical Engineer to join our Photonics Systems engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, analysis, and qualification of precision optomechanical systems used in optical interconnects, photonic devices, and next-generation optical technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop precision optomechanical components, fixtures, and assemblies for photonic and optical systems.
- Create detailed 3D CAD models, mechanical drawings, and documentation using industry-standard CAD tools.
- Define and manage critical mechanical tolerances, alignment features, and assembly interfaces to ensure robust optical performance.
- Perform tolerance stack-up analyses and establish manufacturing requirements for high-precision assemblies.
- Collaborate with optical and photonics engineers to develop packaging and integration solutions for lasers, detectors, optical fibers, micro-optics, and photonic integrated circuits.
- Evaluate and select manufacturing processes and materials capable of achieving demanding dimensional and stability requirements.
- Perform mechanical, thermal, vibration, and structural analyses to validate designs.
- Support prototype builds, verification testing, reliability testing, and product qualification activities.
- Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) improvements for both low-volume and high-volume production.
- Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure components meet critical dimensional, cosmetic, and performance specifications.
- Investigate and resolve design, manufacturing, and reliability issues through structured root-cause analysis.
Experience & Attributes
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Experience designing precision mechanical or optomechanical systems with tight dimensional and geometric tolerances.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, precision alignment features, and manufacturing variation.
- Demonstrated experience working with components and assemblies requiring micron-level accuracy and repeatability.
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent.
- Experience with precision manufacturing processes including CNC machining, micro-machining, injection molding, stamping, or related technologies.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical validation methods.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership.
- Delivery-focused and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
- Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced technology environment
- A proven track record of delivering optical products into production would be an advantage.
Advantage
- Experience in optical interconnects, optical transceivers, silicon photonics, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), optical packaging, or related photonics technologies.
- Experience with active or passive optical alignment systems.
- Familiarity with automated assembly and precision manufacturing environments.
- Experience working with optical fibers, micro-optics, lasers, or detector integration.
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