Lead Optical Specialist

2 weeks ago

Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time
At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Lead Optical Specialist to work on next generation capability.

Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare and surveillance across land, sea and air.


Leonardo UK is pushing the technical boundaries associated with advanced tactical sensing, data fusion, communications, machine learning and defensive aids systems, which collectively will enable next generation assets to survive and operate in highly contested threat environments.

Leonardo is developing these technologies for demonstration in synthetic environments and on trials with the goal of meeting a wider programme demand for deployment in 10 years.

This exciting role will be to support the technical maturation of Optical capabilities as mission critical enablers.


This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a defence programme of critical national importance, and to shape the future of Leonardo UK.


The areas that the Lead Optical Specialist would be expected to get involved in include:

  • Development of Optical-Mechanical Concepts including system architecture definition, specify and develop lens designs, carry out analysis and performance simulations.
  • Providing capability in modelling or designing imaging lenses and optical systems using appropriate commercial tools such as ZEMAX OpticStudio, CodeV or equivalent.
  • Development of Novel Optical Materials, Coatings and Processes the development of the underpinning technologies required for the successful operation of high sensitivity, low noise detection systems and the means to integrate these within the concept that will be required for this defence programme.
  • You will investigate new technologies and engineering capabilities to address emerging business opportunities.
  • You will have a great opportunity to liaise with the customer community and have regular interactions with the external supply chain.
  • Develop work packages to scope milestones and deliveries within a project team environment and demonstrate ownership of those work packages.

Skills and Experience

  • Lens Design and Optical Analysis using appropriate commercial tools such as Ansys OpticStudio, CodeV, Fred or equivalent
  • Early lifecycle development of optical mechanical concepts.
  • Optical steering and stabilisations.
  • Background in investigating the performance of different optical coatings.
  • Development of a SWIR, MIR Optical Systems and multiwaveband optical systems.
  • Surface Treatment for higher optical efficiency.
  • Stray light control techniques.
  • Techniques to increasing optical transmittance.
  • Investigating the maturity and performance of unconventional optical elements.
  • An advanced understanding in classical optics principles.
  • Experience with technical proposal writing, project budgeting and team leadership
  • The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Security Clearance

Feedback we've had from people who have recently joined the project.


I key highlight from my first month on this project, was hearing about how our technology would respond to real world scenarios.

I remember being blown away by the importance of our technology and the enormous expectation of what it had to do.

The role our technology plays CANNOT be done by the end user, the events they deal with are too complicated and are over and done within a matter of seconds.

This expectation CANNOT be put onto the end user and therefore what we do is likely to be the difference between life or death.

There is not many people that get to work on technology with such a profound purpose.

Without a doubt, what we design will be part of Leonardo's legacy and will be what the customer will use for decades to come.

From a systems point of view, this multi-sensor technology is a PARADIGM SHIFT from anything ever done before.

We need key system skills to lead the requirements evolution and trade studies to enable us to deliver the best product.

We have a very people orientated Leadership team. Whilst embracing flexible working we are all about getting people working together and co-locating staff. We know that people are key to delivering this product however even more important is developing HIGH performing teams.


Engineering is given so must TRUST at this early stage and we have a lot of support to push the boundaries of technology.

This is an EXCELLENT environment for self-development.

The company is really behind developing skills so anyone joining this programme can expect challenge, opportunities and plenty of support.

I find the prospect of working with multi-national stakeholders very exciting.

This is exactly the way we want to work going forward, taking the best from a lot of different parties to create an optimum product.

There will be a lot of travel options and I'm alw

  • Lead Optical Specialist

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time

    At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Lead Optical Specialist to work on next generation capability. Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare and surveillance across land, sea and air. Leonardo UK is pushing the technical boundaries associated with...

  • Lead Mechanical Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time

    **The opportunity**: We have an exciting opportunity for an engineer to develop the knowledge and skills required to become an independent structural specialist. This role presents the opportunity for a suitably skilled individual to assist as a deputy to the Radar and Advanced Targeting authority, whilst acquiring the knowledge and experience to progress...

  • Engineering Project Lead

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    You will play a pivotal role in shaping the success of our enterprise deliveries by taking the lead engineering role on our larger projects. You will contribute to business development - speaking to prospective new clients and contributing to pitch decks for new projects. You will be expected to take responsibility for the day-to-day oversight and...

  • Chief Technology Officer for Electro-Optic Systems

    1 month ago

    Easter Howgate, Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time

    Job Description: We are looking for a Chief Technology Officer for Electro-Optic Systems to join our Radar and Advanced Targeting Capability Management team. Reporting to the VP Capability & CTO, you will be working across the whole business and with external stakeholders to ensure that we develop and access the right technologies and skills for the future...

  • Chief Technology Officer for Electro-Optic Systems

    1 month ago

    Easter Howgate, Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time

    Job Description: We are looking for a Chief Technology Officer for Electro-Optic Systems to join our Radar and Advanced Targeting Capability Management team. Reporting to the VP Capability & CTO, you will be working across the whole business and with external stakeholders to ensure that we develop and access the right technologies and skills for the future...

  • Summer Placement

    3 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time

    **_ The opportunity:_** Do you want to work on real-time projects alongside leading scientists and engineers within a globally renowned company? Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems, aerospace, data, infrastructures, land security and protection, and sustainable ’smart’ solutions. We are a...

  • Summer Placement

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Leonardo UK Ltd Full time

    _ The opportunity:_Do you want to work on real-time projects alongside leading scientists and engineers within a globally renowned company?Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems, aerospace, data, infrastructures, land security and protection, and sustainable 'smart' solutions. We are a continually...

  • Procurement Specialist

    7 days ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Morgan Hunt Recruitment Remote Work Freelance Full time

    Morgan Hunt has immediate start contract roles available for experienced Procurement Specialists with a Public Sector organisation. Inside IR35 - £250-350 per day depending on experience Hybrid working - 1 day per week required in Edinburgh officeImmediate start until December 2024 The Role: Project planning and managementSupporting savings proposal...

  • Media Lead

    5 days ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Denholm Associates Full time

    Looking for a leadership role that will utilise your performance marketing experience in an environment where your work will be valued and really is a vital cog in the team? We are delighted to be supporting leading provider of Financial Services as they look to bring in a Media Lead to lead a small team. This is one of a number of newly created roles and...

  • I.T Sourcing Specialist/ Category Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Lorien Remote Work Freelance Full time

    I.T Sourcing Specialist/ Category Manager 6 Month Contract Edinburgh Via Umbrella Our leading financial services client is looking for a Sourcing Specialist to join their team for an initial 6-month contract, with a strong possibility of extension. Key Skills: IT Category specialistStrong Stakeholder managementWorking with 3rd party IT suppliersIdeally...

  • International Tax Specialist up to

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Brewer Morris Full time

    International Tax Specialist Location: Anywhere in Scotland (Edinburgh preferred) and Newcastle My client - a leading business, is seeking an International Tax specialist to join their International Tax team. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to specialise in International Tax advisory. You will collaborate closely with the team leadership to...

  • Driver/Labourer

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    Join Our Team as a Landscaper at a Leading Company in Midlothian! Grass cutting/strimming Shrub bed maintenance/Floral display upkeep Soft landscaping tasks as-needed Litter picking responsibilities PA1 & PA6 weed-killing activities for certified individuals Assistance with landscaping projects when necessary Driving tasks - (Valid Full UK...

  • Financial Promotions Manager/Lead

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Sanderson Full time

    Financial Promotions Manager/Lead Edinburgh (Hybrid) Manager: £35k - £58k Lead: £50k - £75k I have two opportunities for Financial Promotions specialist to join a well renowned Financial Services company. The Financial Promotions Manager will provide a hands-on role where they will be reviewing the financial promotions and ensuring they are complying...

  • Procurement Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    Your new companyI am delighted to be representing a local Scottish council as they expand their procurement team by adding a permanent Procurement Officer.Hays has a long-standing relationship with this organisation and I can attest to their excellent atmosphere and team culture. This is an organisation that values its employees and their career progression....

  • Procurement Officer

    7 days ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    Your new companyI am delighted to be representing a local Scottish council as they expand their procurement team by adding a permanent Procurement Officer.Hays has a long-standing relationship with this organisation and I can attest to their excellent atmosphere and team culture. This is an organisation that values its employees and their career progression....

  • International Tax Specialist up to £65K

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Brewer Morris Full time

    International Tax Specialist Location: Anywhere in Scotland (Edinburgh preferred) and Newcastle My client - a leading business, is seeking an International Tax specialist to join their International Tax team. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to specialise in International Tax advisory. You will collaborate closely with the team leadership to...

  • Supply Chain Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    Your new companyI am delighted to be representing a renowned manufacturing organisation as they search for a new Supply Chain Manager to join their finance and procurement team. This is a permanent, full-time position. Your new roleIn this role, you will be responsible for: Providing strategic leadership to the overall company regarding supply chain and...

  • Cyber Security Specialist

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Lorien Remote Work Freelance Full time

    CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST - 12 MONTH INITIAL CONTRACT - OUTSIDE IR35 Loriens leading Public Sector Client is looking to hire a highly experienced Cyber Security Specialist. Key Responsibilities Be aware of the current cyber threat landscape and industry best practices and standards. Support initial scoping and risk assessment of a change...

  • Trainee Recruitment Consultant

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    Trainee Recruitment Consultant at HaysEdinburghAbout HaysHays believes in establishing long-term partnerships with both its employees and customers. Join a global business leader with over 50 years of success in specialist recruitment and workforce solutions. Become part of the industry's leading recruiting experts in Scotland.Hays offers a unique career...

  • HR Business Partner

    2 weeks ago

    Midlothian, United Kingdom Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Full time

    Your new companyHays are delighted to be partnering with a professional services organisation based in Edinburgh City Centre who are looking to appoint an HR Business Partner on a 12-18 month fixed term contract basis.Your new roleIn this role you will assist in the provision of an effective and efficient HR management function, providing guidance and...