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Salary: GBP 60,000 - 0 / annual
Opsydia, a laser technology company spun out from the University of Oxford in 2017, is seeking a Systems Architect to lead the design and development of next-generation laser-photonics platforms. The company specializes in adaptive optics for writing features in transparent materials (optical glass, diamond, etc.), enabling applications in datacoms, quantum technologies, and advanced sensing.
In this senior systems engineering role, you will own the complete system definition, requirements, and interfaces for Opsydia's products. You will translate complex multidisciplinary challenges into robust, verifiable, and commercially successful systems by applying systems engineering principles to decompose customer, business, and technical needs into clear requirements, manage traceability throughout the product lifecycle, lead architectural trade-offs, identify and mitigate technical risks, and ensure well-defined subsystem interfaces.
Key responsibilities include:
**End-to-End Systems Ownership:** Develop system-level specifications, requirements, and interface definitions across optical, mechanical, electrical, and software domains. Lead system architecture from concept through requirements, detailed design, prototyping, verification, and release. Define and drive processes for system integration, validation, and troubleshooting.
**System Integration & Verification:** Combine lasers, adaptive optics, motion control, electronics, and machine vision into production-ready systems. Use optical modeling and simulation tools to optimize performance. Develop verification strategies, test procedures, and risk/failure analysis to objectively demonstrate system requirements.
**Automation, Control & Safety:** Define system-level control methodologies alongside the Software Team. Ensure compliance with international laser safety standards and implement appropriate interlocks and diagnostics. Contribute to automation and workflow design for stability, repeatability, and throughput.
**Precision Motion & Opto-Mechanical Integration:** Architect high-precision motion systems (piezo, air-bearing, linear motor) with sub-micron or nanometer-level stability. Oversee opto-mechanical design for robustness in industrial environments, managing vibration control, thermal stability, and reliability.
**Ultrafast Laser & Photonics Systems:** Integrate and optimize femtosecond laser sources for high-precision laser-matter interaction. Collaborate with laser manufacturers on specifications and performance validation. Manage system-level trade-offs involving beam delivery, adaptive optics, power stability, thermal management, and alignment tolerances.
You will work across early-stage R&D, customer programs, and product development, providing system-level leadership from concept through deployment. You will help mature innovative technologies into field-ready products while shaping Opsydia's technical roadmap and engineering best practices.
**Requirements:**
- Deep technical background with extensive industry experience in photonics, laser systems, or precision instrumentation
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field
- Proven ability to drive complex projects from concept to deployment
- Strong analytical capability, pragmatic engineering judgment, and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary teams
**Desirable experience:**
- Practical knowledge of adaptive optics for beam shaping and correction
- Expertise in waveguide fabrication or optical system performance characterization
- Familiarity with mechanical design and optical simulation tools
- Proven ability to configure and optimize precision motion control systems
- Competence in automation and scripting (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)
- Experience with advanced microscopy and metrology techniques
- Track record of developing products and regulatory compliance documentation
- Understanding of intellectual property development and technology protection
- Project planning, risk assessment, and technical reporting experience
The role is full-time, hybrid with flexibility. Hands-on system and collaboration time in the office is valued and expected when required. Security screening to BPSS standard is required.
