Opto-Mechanical Test Engineer

Prior Scientific is a world leader in developing, engineering, and manufacturing precision components and complete microscope systems. We are currently looking for an opto-mechanical test engineer to join our R&D department, based at our Cambridgeshire head office.

The successful candidate will be central to enabling continued R&D test and development activities and the transfer of tested products into a production environment. This role is well suited to a hands-on individual with knowledge of optics fundamentals, data capture, and analysis techniques.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with the R&D Physicist to assemble, test, analyze, and report on new opto-mechanical product developments.
• Create and establish test setups, prepare test specifications, and documentation.
• Apply understanding of optical systems to suggest improvements for new optical products and subsystems.
• Guide systems and products through to production, providing advice and support for production test activities; build relationships with production staff.
• Design, implement, and maintain production testing fixtures and methods.
• Conduct production testing on complex optical systems following developed procedures and requirements.
• Identify and resolve production issues related to opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Use measurement tools to assess mechanical components and identify root causes of performance issues.
• Assist in testing future technologies.
• Perform test and measurement activities on mechanical actuators using laser interferometry.

Core skills and experience:

• Strong knowledge of optics; a qualification in physics or a related field is advantageous.
• Experimental background preferred.
• Practical mechanical assembly experience required.
• Knowledge of motion control and/or machine vision is beneficial.
• Basic understanding of data collection methods and hardware (e.g., MATLAB, Visual Studio, Python) is desirable.
• Fundamental mechanical design knowledge is a plus.

What we offer:

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide a generous benefits package including:

• 24 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working hours and up to two days/week remote work
• Profit-sharing bonus scheme
• Life assurance and Income Protection Plan

We are a successful company, large enough for career growth and recognition, yet small enough for your contributions to be highly valued.