Graduate Optical Engineer

You’ll be responsible for designing, building, and testing optical systems and subsystems for a range of high‑precision instruments and products, spanning both free space and fibreoptic technologies. Working closely with mechanical, electronic, and software engineers, you’ll ensure optical designs are robust, manufacturable, and seamlessly integrated into complex, real-world systems. You’ll explore and apply novel, cutting-edge technologies to deliver best‑in‑class optical performance.

At Oriole, you’ll be at the heart of next generation AI and data centre innovation, developing cutting-edge optical technologies that enable faster, smarter, and more energy efficient computing at scale. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to work on genuinely world leading platforms, push the boundaries of optical engineering, and see your designs make a tangible impact in the rapidly evolving AI and high-performance computing landscape.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems using free space and fibreoptic components.
• Model and analyse optical performance, including alignment tolerances and losses.
• Build, align, and test optical assemblies and prototypes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical performance issues during development and test.
• Contribute to optical system integration with electronics, mechanics, and software.
• Support verification and validation activities through testing and characterisation.
• Produce clear documentation for optical designs, test methods, and results.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of optical design practices.
  
  

Skills & Experience

• Level 5 or 6 qualification in Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Understanding of core optics principles (geometric optics, wave optics, Gaussian beams).
• Experience or familiarity with free space optics (lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters, alignment).

Experience or familiarity with fibre optics (single‑mode / multi‑mode fibre, connectors, splicing).

Knowledge of optical measurement techniques (power, wavelength, beam quality).

Familiarity with optical design or analysis tools (e.g. Zemax, Code V, MATLAB) would be advantageous.

Basic understanding of electronics, instrumentation, or control systems.

Practical laboratory experience with optical set‑ups and test equipment.

Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Clear written and verbal communication skills.

 

Accelerating AI in a Low Carbon World – Oriole Networks is a photonic networking company, developing disruptive technologies for AI/ML and HPC networking that will revolutionise data centres.