Assistant Optical Engineer

Job Description

2 Year Fixed Term ContractDurham Location - Hybrid working flexibility / 35 hour week£29 - £36kThe ScopeThe Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) is a major research group in the Department of Physics at Durham University with approximately seventy staff and research students. It has established a pre-eminent reputation in the development of complex instrumentationfor high profile national and international projects. The group is distributed across two physical locations in the Durham area. Firstly there is the Department of Physics located in Durham itself, with its world leading reputation in academic research. Secondly,there is a dedicated technology facility based at NETpark in nearby Sedgefield, providing access to unrivalled technical facilities for the assembly and test of complex instrumentation.CfAI’s mission is to design and develop novel instrumentation based on cutting edge technologies with applications across a range of strategically important scientific areas. CfAI develops state-of-the-art instruments for applications across a wide rangeof disciplines including astronomical instrumentation, biophysics, remote sensing and fusion diagnostics.CfAI has provided major instruments for many of the world’s leading astronomical facilities including the Anglo-Australian Telescope, William Herschel Telescope, Gemini Telescopes, Magellan Telescope, European Southern Observatory, Very Large Telescope andSouthern African Large Telescope.The RoleAn opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Optical Engineer to support the development of a range of astronomical, space-based and other instrument programmes. The appointee will undertake optical design & development activities within a varied portfolioof projects. The role will involve:Developing and analysing optical designs to meet demanding specifications, through the use of Zemax software for example. The use of extensive in-house metrology equipment to validate the performance of optical components.Assembly, alignment and testing of standard and custom built opto-mechanical hardware, also involving the procurement of components and off-the-shelf modules.In short, this is an end to end’ optical engineering role that will develop and utilise design skills and technical analysis skills, as well as laboratory experience, taking initial concepts through to hardware commissioning. A diverse knowledge of opticsand optical design will ultimately be required, with support and training being provided to ensure the appointee can develop and take on more complex and demanding tasks. The appointee will be mentored and supported by our Senior Optical Engineers, whose diverseexperience will be drawn upon to further develop the capability of the appointee.An important part of the role will be the analysis and reporting of results. In particular, the successful candidate should be able to plan such work, derive clear conclusions and to present them with clarity to other member of the team or external clients.The appointee would be working on substantial projects, involving large numbers of dedicated scientists and engineers. Working with interdisciplinary and inter-institutional teams will form a central part of the role and good written and verbal communicationskills are essential.This is initially a fixed term position for 2 years, but would be expected to continue beyond this, subject to CfAI’s continued success in winning projects.The PersonCandidates should be educated to degree level in either Physics or Engineering, ideally with a Masters or PHD in a related subject.Experience or knowledge of optics, optical design or optical engineering, ideally with 1-2 years practical/laboratory experience.Clear potential to develop, and to understand and absorb technical specifications, in order to produce suitable optical designs to meet the requirements and practical trade-offs that occur within complex hardware systems.Experience of working in a team, with an ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.Ability to analyse, report on and present technical information and results.Experience or ability to work in technical projects within a research, commercial or industrial environment.Experience or ability to monitor own activities and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.

Keyskills :
LaboratoryLaserOptical DevicesOptical EngineeringOptics