# Senior Optical Designer at QinetiQ

QinetiQ is hiring a Senior Optical Designer. It pays £58k-£65k a year and Level rates it Little AI ●○○○; you can [apply on QinetiQ](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/9f1388dd-20d2-48d3-b033-7a004e173591?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 1, AI centrality 0 out of 100. Malvern, England, United Kingdom.

## Details

- Company: [QinetiQ](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/qinetiq)
- AI level: AI Level 1 (score 0 out of 100)
- Location: Malvern, England, United Kingdom
- Salary: £58k-£65k
- Posted: October 1, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/9f1388dd-20d2-48d3-b033-7a004e173591?utm_medium=ai-agent
- Free CV review for this job: https://jobsbylevel.com/cv-review?job=senior-optical-designer-at-qinetiq-356100

## Prepare for this job

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## Description

Package: £58,050-£64,500 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits Role ID: SF20716 Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Optical Engineer at our Malvern site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds. The Role As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will play a key role in developing advanced optical systems that support the next generation of defence and security technologies. You'll lead the design, development and industrialisation of sophisticated optical solutions, helping transform innovative concepts into deployable products that make a real-world impact. Day-to-day, you'll work as part of our Laser and Optical Sensors and Communications team, leading optical design activities, collaborating with manufacturing partners, and helping bring complex optical systems from prototype through to production. You'll apply your expertise across optical modelling, tolerance analysis, integration and testing while supporting a variety of research, development and product programmes Your responsibilities will include: Leading the optical design and development of advanced optical telescopes and sensor systems Conducting optical modelling, optimisation, tolerance analysis and stray light assessments using Zemax OpticStudio Developing manufacturing, alignment and test strategies for scalable production Working closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to industrialise optical products Supporting research, development and product delivery programmes across a variety of projects Providing technical leadership, proposal support and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams Essential experience of the Senior Optical Engineer: Extensive experience using Zemax OpticStudio to design and analyse complex free-space optical systems Proven experience taking optical designs from concept and prototype through to manufacture and production Strong understanding of optical tolerancing and design-for-manufacture principles Experience working with optical component suppliers and manufacturing partners Practical experience of optical integration, alignment and test activities Experience with fibre-optic systems and opto-mechanical integration Essential qualifications for the Senior Optical Engineer : Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you. This role is 37 hours per week based at our Malvern site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. The Malvern facility is noted for its work in electronic warfare, surveillance and complex system integration, contributing significantly to the UK’s defence capabilities. Developing technologies for military and civilian applications, including sensors, communications and cyber security. Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Our Recruitment Process: At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing internal_recruitment@qinetiq.com . One of our recruitment

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