As a Lead Optics Engineer, you will play a key role within our core hardware engineering team, leading the design and development of high-performance camera systems that power our next-generation drone platforms. Working closely with hardware, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams, you will deliver cutting-edge imaging solutions from early concept through mass production.
You will take full technical ownership of our custom camera assemblies, defining optical architectures, specifying components, and evaluating key elements such as lenses and image sensors. Working closely with mechanical engineering, you will design and refine mounts, carriers, and housings to deliver robust, production-ready camera systems capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions. You will assemble prototypes, characterise and verify camera performance in the optics lab, and validate complete systems through real-world flight testing on our drones.
This is a highly hands-on role in a fast-paced, agile environment, offering the opportunity to develop innovative optical solutions with real-world impact at scale.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Lead optical system design for embedded camera modules, from concept definition through validation and mass production
- Define optical architectures and specifications, selecting and qualifying lenses, image sensors, filters, and related components
- Develop and execute optical test and validation plans, including lab characterisation
- Own end-to-end product performance, including image quality, resolution, sharpness, dynamic range, low-light performance, and environmental robustness
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience designing optical systems or camera modules for embedded and high-volume products
- Strong expertise in optical design and analysis, including imaging optics, tolerance analysis, and stray-light control
- Hands-on experience with camera hardware, including lens and sensor selection, module assembly, and precision alignment
- Solid understanding of image quality metrics and camera characterization, including MTF, SNR, dynamic range, and low-light performance
Benefits
- Flexible working hours
- Stock Options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Company pension plan
- Car parking
- Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Learning and development opportunities
About Auterion
We are building the leading software and electronics platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.
At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.
