Optical Applications Engineer

Singular Photonics

. Design, build and test applications using Singular Photonics SPAD cameras from agreed concept through to working demonstrator .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in optical system design, assembly, and testing, with proficiency in programming for instrument control and data processing. Strong background in quantum optics and experience with SPAD cameras and relevant imaging modalities are essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical System DesignZemax ProficiencyPython ProgrammingPhoton Counting TechniquesSPAD Camera Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical System AssemblyTesting and TroubleshootingData ProcessingTime-Resolved TechniquesQuantum Optics KnowledgeInstrument ControlSystem PrototypingScientific Publications ContributionPatent FilingsISO 9001 Compliance

Soft Skills

Clear Technical CommunicationCollaborationAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

ZemaxPythonMATLABC/C++LabVIEW

Industry Keywords

PhotonicsQuantum ImagingLiDARFLIMRaman SpectroscopyMicroscopySingle-Photon DetectionEntangled Photon Pair SourcesCoincidence CountingISO 9001 Quality Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, build and test applications using Singular Photonics SPAD cameras from agreed concept through to working demonstrator
Support optical system design and simulation for new camera platforms using Zemax or equivalent tools
Validate optical designs against measured performance
Contribute to application notes, technical material and demonstrations
Build, align and troubleshoot optical and optomechanical laboratory setups
Run time-resolved and photon-counting measurements
Write scripts to control instruments, acquire data and process results
Contribute to quantum applications including photon correlation, coincidence measurements and quantum-enhanced sensing
Contribute technical work and results to collaborative R&D projects and grant-funded consortia
Provide input to project reporting
Contribute to scientific publications and patent filings
Support business development with technical input
Participate in customer meetings and application discussions
Build demonstration prototypes for trade shows, conferences and customer visits
Present demonstrations to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Create and maintain reproducible system documentation required by the ISO 9001 design control process
Report to the Lead Optical and Applications Engineer and collaborate with hardware, ASIC, firmware and software engineers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Quantum Optics or a related field
3–6 years' industrial experience in a relevant role
Hands-on experience in optical system assembly, alignment, testing and troubleshooting
Experience in optical system design and simulation using Zemax or an equivalent tool
Proficiency in at least one of Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or LabVIEW for instrument control and data processing
Working knowledge of photon counting or time-resolved techniques such as TCSPC
Ability to explain technical work clearly to colleagues, customers and non-specialists
Experience in quantum optics, including photon correlation and g2 measurements, coincidence counting, entangled photon pair sources, quantum imaging or quantum key distribution is desirable
Direct experience with SPAD cameras, image sensors or single-photon detection systems is desirable
Application knowledge in LiDAR, FLIM, Raman spectroscopy, microscopy or other imaging modalities is desirable
Optomechanical integration and system prototyping experience is desirable
Contributions to scientific publications or patent filings are desirable
Experience within an ISO 9001 quality management system is desirable
Right to work in the UK is essential
Must be comfortable in a small company where priorities shift and everyone pitches in

Benefits

Comp & perks

5% company pension contribution
Participation in the Company EMI Share Option Scheme
35 days paid annual leave per year, inclusive of UK public holidays
Hybrid working with flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week
Professional development and career growth opportunities
Opportunity to publish work and attend conferences
International exposure through academic and industrial partners and international customers
Cycle to work scheme
Private medical insurance once implemented