Senior Optical R&D Engineering Scientist

1 month ago

Southampton, United Kingdom Cogito Full time
Job Description

About the Company


Cogito’s client is proud to be a global leader in contact lenses. At their innovative sites worldwide, they manufacture and distribute contact lenses for some of the biggest names in ophthalmic optics. They are committed to creating brighter futures for their customers, wearers, and employees.


What can you expect from them as an employer? They bring a refreshing perspective to the workplace, where every opinion counts, ideas are shared, and everyone is empowered to make an impact.


Their culture is big on belonging, emphasizing that being part of something great is what makes their company the best it can be. Valuing diversity and inclusion, they know that having different perspectives leads to richer insights. As an ambitious organisation, Cogito’s client will provide you with the resources and support to help you achieve your goals.


Senior Optical R&D Engineering Scientist


Cogito’s client has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Optical R&D Engineering Scientist to join their Global Technical Innovation Group (GTIG) Lens Design and Metrology department in Hamble. The GTIG Lens Design and Metrology team consists of subject matter experts in existing and emerging lens designs and test methods.


This role will be responsible for the transfer of metrology equipment from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring that measurement methods are capable and robust for their intended purpose.


Additionally, the role includes identifying and developing new technology to replace obsolete equipment and leading global initiatives to standardize measurement methodologies.


The position will involve providing technical improvements to manufacturing processes and delivering specialized elements of large-scale projects. Knowledge of applicable international standards and their application in a manufacturing environment is essential.


Key Responsibilities


  • Serve as a project or module leader responsible for delivering specified systems or services, including timeline generation and quality control.
  • Communicate effectively within the discipline and activities supported, collaborating with project teams, senior managers, directors, and vendors.
  • Interface with vendors to translate business needs into user requirements.
  • Ensure Metrology Technicians understand basic principles of product testing and assist with prioritization as required.
  • Develop and conduct training programs on metrology fundamentals, and lead knowledge transfer across global partners.
  • Identify Continuous Improvement opportunities and lead small teams using Six Sigma tools and techniques within a manufacturing environment.
  • Generate business cases, manage change control activities, and provide technical and compliance information to regulatory teams.
  • Lead multifunctional teams in risk assessments, change assessments, and completion of project deliverables.
  • Stay updated on new developments in metrology and assess potential applications for the organization.
  • Understand and apply Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems, including FDA, ISO, and international regulatory requirements.
  • Lead the development of internal requirements and contribute to external standards for metrology.
  • Identify gaps in internal methodologies compared to external standards and take appropriate action.
  • Develop and introduce new metrology systems into production with relevant documentation and specifications.
  • Produce compliant and reproducible measurement documentation and training materials.
  • Lead problem-solving activities, root cause investigations, and data analysis to identify innovative and practical technical solutions.
  • Manage capital expenditure budgets up to £50,000 and apply project management principles to local, small-scale projects.


Qualifications and Skills Required


  • Bachelor’s degree in physics or a related field (or equivalent qualification); knowledge of optics is essential.
  • Experience in metrology test method development, ideally within optical systems (e.g., lasers, interferometry, Shack-Hartmann, Moire).
  • Advanced understanding of metrology systems and Six Sigma techniques.
  • Familiarity with ISO standards, quality systems, and relevant international regulations.
  • Detailed knowledge of repeatability, reliability studies, metrology validation, and uncertainty of measurement.
  • Proficient in optical and linear measurement systems such as interferometers, focimeters, CMM, shadowgraphs, microscopes, and micrometers.
  • Proficient in data analysis techniques, including software packages such as Excel, Minitab, and Matlab.
  • Strong technical report writing and peer-reviewing skills.


Travel Requirements

This role involves occasional travel to local UK sites and European locations, as well as occasional international travel to support global activities. Total travel typically comprises less than 5% of annual working time.


What’s on Offer

Cogito's client offers competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package, including 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, private medical and healthcare coverage, life assurance, access to a wellness platform for mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme, and much more.


Inclusion and Diversity

Cogito’s client is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce. They celebrate not only the company’s success but also the uniqueness of each employee. Their inclusive culture supports and encourages every individual to bring their full self to work, driving success through diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.

If this opportunity excites you, take the first step towards a brighter future and apply today. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities.

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