Optical Engineering Manager

At CoMind, we are developing a non-invasive neuromonitoring technology that will result in a new era of clinical brain monitoring. In joining us, you will be helping to create cutting-edge technologies that will improve how we diagnose and treat brain disorders, ultimately improving and saving the lives of patients across the world.The Role:The Optical Engineering team at CoMind is responsible for the photonics systems at the heart of CoMind’s technology, designing and developing the laser interferometry platform that enables continuous, non-invasive measurement of human physiology parameters. The team spans optical system design, component selection and test, precision alignment, optical modelling, and integration with mechanical and electronic subsystems.As Engineering Manager for Optical Engineering, you will lead a team of optical engineers through the iterative design, build, and test phases to create designs which fulfil design input

Requirements

and successfully complete design verification and validation campaigns. Working alongside CoMind’s contract manufacturing partners, you will ensure that design deliverables can be successfully transferred into serial production.This is a hands-on leadership role: you will drive technical decisions, own the optical workstream, and personally contribute to complex design challenges, while managing the team to programme milestones and design control processes. You will lead and mentor the team of optical engineers, and establish and maintain the development process and tools required by the team, championing a high standard of quality and performance.At CoMind, all team members work at least 4 days per week in the office, plus a flexible work-from-home day.

This role can be based in either London (Kings Cross) or Bristol office.Responsibilities: Lead and develop a team of optical engineers, setting clear development goals, providing technical mentorship, and maintaining a high standard of engineering practiceOwn the optical engineering function and lead the realisation of photonic and optical components from concept through to validated hardwarePersonally contribute to design work, including optical modelling (Zemax, COMSOL, or equivalent), tolerance analysis, simulation, and design for manufacture and assemblyDrive design reviews, risk assessments, and V&V activities across optical subsystems, ensuring performance is robustly characterised before design freezeOwn the optical interfaces with mechanical, electronic, and manufacturing subsystems, working cross-functionally to resolve integration challengesEstablish and maintain optical design standards, toolchain choices, and documentation in line with CoMind’s QMS, ISO 13485, and IEC 60601-1Manage relationships with contract manufacturers and key suppliers for optical components and assemblies, supporting DFM and manufacturing readiness reviewsAI is fundamental to our culture - it’s not just a tool, but a core part of how we work, collaborate, and innovate. We expect all team members to embrace AI in their daily work and continuously find new ways to use it effectivelySkills & Experience:8+ years of experience in optical engineering, with at least 2 years in a team lead or engineering management roleDeep expertise in laser interferometry, coherent optical sensing, or closely related optical measurement techniques, with hands-on experience designing and validating precision optical systemsProficiency with optical simulation and modelling tools (Zemax, COMSOL, or similar) and experience translating simulation outputs into validated hardware designsSolid understanding of optical component technologies including laser sources, photodetectors, fibre optics, beamsplitters, optical coatings, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)Demonstrated ability to lead a technical team through the full product development lifecycle, from concept through to validated hardwareExperience in a regulated industry (medical devices, defence, semiconductor, or similar), with familiarity with ISO 14971, ISO 13485, and IEC 60601-1Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to represent the optical team in system-level technical discussions with engineering, clinical, and regulatory stakeholdersExperience with manufacturing assembly processes or precision manufacturing at production scale for instrumentation and/or high-volume productsNice to HaveBackground in biophotonics, diffuse optical imaging, or optical coherence tomographyExperience with miniaturisation of optical systems for portable or wearable hardwareFamiliarity with cleanroom assembly and precision alignment at manufacturing scaleExperience managing supplier relationships for optical components and sub-assembliesKnowledge of FDA regulatory pathways for optical medical devices

Benefits

:Company equity plan so all employees share in the success of the companySalary-sacrifice pension schemePrivate medical, dental and vision insurance (medical history disregarded)Group life assurance at 4x annual incomeComprehensive mental health support, including unlimited access to 1:1 sessions with trained professionalsUnlimited holiday allowance (+ bank holidays) and one week of remote working per quarterLunch voucher (£10) every day for JustEat and free dinner on those days where you need to work laterTwice weekly deliveries of fresh fruit and an extensive selection of snacks and drinksYuLife subscription, allowing you to turn your daily steps and meditation into discounts at a range of storesDISCLAIMER - We use AI notetaking tools to transcribe interviews for internal review. By proceeding, you consent to this. Let us know if you'd prefer we don't.Compensation: £81K - £118K • Offers Equity • Salary £81K - £118K • Offers EquityFind Jobs in United Kingdom on Arbeitnow