{"id":3004596,"url":"https://alion.io/job/perkinelmer-senior-optical-research-scientistengineer","title":"Senior Optical Research Scientist/Engineer","company":{"id":20344,"name":"PerkinElmer","domain":"perkinelmer.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/perkinelmer","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":28,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":29,"computed_at":"2026-10-26T05:57:25Z"}},"role":"Science & Research","role_family":"Science & Research","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["High Wycombe, United Kingdom"],"countries":["GB"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":46000,"max_usd":82000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":19},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-21T13:16:50Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-21","last_verified_at":"2026-10-24T05:57:11Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":null,"days_open":5,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":5},"description":"When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.\nJob Title\nSenior Optical Research Scientist/EngineerLocation(s)\nHigh WycombeJob Description\nPurpose\nWe are looking for an experienced optical scientist or engineer to lead the development, design and optimisation of advanced IR, UV and visible spectrometer systems. This role combines theoretical expertise with practical implementation in both research and commercial applications.\nThe successful candidate will develop a good understanding of the function and use of our products and their underlying technology, and will define and document both high-level functional and performance requirements and detailed sub-system requirements.\nYou will collaborate with key stakeholders to contribute to system design and specification, which may include concept development, design calculations or system modelling. The role includes collaboration with, and support of, PerkinElmer’s global R&D and manufacturing centres, which may involve travel.\nThe role also includes investigation of selected manufacturing and field failures on both new and existing products to determine root cause and initiate remedial actions.\nYou will have the opportunity to shape the optical design of next-generation spectroscopy instruments, working in a multidisciplinary team that covers everything from early research and new product development to sustaining existing products.\nInternational and national travel may be required for conferences and trade shows, and to support PerkinElmer’s global R&D and manufacturing centres.\nResponsibilities\nOptical design and development\nResearch, develop and implement optical system designs using principles of physical optics, radiometry and spectroscopy \nDrive the conceptual design and development of IR, UV and visible spectroscopic instruments\nPerform detailed optical modelling and analysis using advanced software tools (e.g. Zemax)\nOptimise and tolerance optical designs for performance and manufacturability\nResearch and develop new spectroscopic techniques\nUnderstand and specify the products’ optical performance parameters at both system and sub-system level\nTest, validation and data analysis\nLead the validation and calibration of spectroscopic instruments \nAnalyse experimental data and produce summary reports\nWork with other engineers to design and build the test equipment needed\nSustaining, product support and root cause analysis\nLead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for both new and existing products, covering development, manufacturing and field issues, working with design engineers, manufacturing and service to understand failure modes and quality issues\nCollaboration and ways of working\nCollaborate with mechanical, electrical and systems engineers on integrated product design\nAuthor technical documentation, reports and research papers\nWork within our structured product development process\nTake responsibility for product quality and performance\nBasic Qualificatio n\nRequired:\nDegree (BSc or higher) in physics or an engineering discipline \n5+ years’ experience in optical systems development\nProven ability to design free-space coupled relay and imaging optical systems \nWell versed in the use of Zemax (or similar software) for ray tracing, analysis and optimisation\nExperience in the specification of optical components and knowledge of their manufacturing processes.\nExperience of planning and delivering work within a structured product development process\nProven ability to assess technical risk and recognise failure modes\nProven ability to design and carry out experiments, and to analyse and report on the results\nProficiency in automated data collection and analysis using suitable software\nPreferred Characteristics\nPostgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in an engineering or physical science discipline\nExperience designing reflective optical imaging or illumination systems\nExperience in the application of diffraction gratings for spectroscopy\nKnowledge of scanning Michelson interferometers\nExperience in the design, troubleshooting and manufacture of electro-mechanical equipment (preferably instrumentation)\nProduct development experience within a company making measurement instrumentation\nFamiliarity with product design methodologies such as design for manufacture (DFM) and design FMEATask- and goal-oriented, with the drive to see work through to completion\nAnalytical thinker, driven by data\nStrong organisational skills\nPractical problem solver, comfortable switching between long-term development and urgent manufacturing issues\nAttention to detail\nAdaptable to 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