Lead Concept Engineer
Location: Surrey, UK (Woking) or Ilmenau, Germany
Salary: €70,000 per annum (Germany) | £60,615 per annum (UK equivalent)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Industry: Optical Engineering | Imaging Systems | Metrology | R&D | Innovation
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Lead Concept Engineer to join our Imaging, Metrology & Visualisation Systems Division at either our Surrey (UK) Global HQ or our Ilmenau (Germany) development hub.
This is a senior R&D role focused on early-stage concept development, system innovation, and proof-of-concept prototyping for next-generation optical and digital imaging systems.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping future product strategy by transforming emerging technologies into validated system concepts that progress toward market-ready solutions.
If you are passionate about optics, system-level engineering, prototyping, and technical innovation, this role offers genuine freedom to create and influence product direction.
Reporting to: Head of Concept Development
Key Responsibilities
Lead the creation of innovative concepts for next-generation optical, digital and metrology imaging systems
Drive system-level thinking to support Group technology and product strategy
Design, build and test mock-ups and breadboard prototypes
Validate early-stage design concepts and system interactions
Conduct competitive analysis and technology benchmarking
Identify and integrate emerging technologies into future product roadmaps
Collaborate with multidisciplinary internal teams (optics, electronics, software, mechanical)
Define and align technical specifications with external technology partners
Manage concept development projects, reporting milestones and risks to senior leadership
This is a high-impact innovation role with visibility across the organisation.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in:
Optical Engineering
Physical Sciences
Electronic Engineering
Mechatronics
Optoelectronics
Minimum 5 years’ experience in R&D or advanced engineering environments
Strong understanding of optical systems
Hands-on experience in prototyping, breadboarding and proof-of-concept development
Experience in at least one of the following:
Image processing
Metrology systems
Mechatronic systems
Experience with engineering tools such as CREO, Zemax, Mathcad
Strong written and spoken English
Desirable Skills
Cross-disciplinary system integration experience
Knowledge of ergonomic design principles
Experience working with external technology partners
Structured project leadership in innovation environments
Personal Attributes
Creative, innovative and commercially aware
Strategic and structured problem solver
Hands-on and technically curious
Strong communicator across disciplines
Self-motivated with initiative
Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders
Location & Travel
Based in either Surrey, UK (Woking) or Ilmenau, Germany
International travel required occasionally
Germany-based candidates must be willing to travel regularly to the UK Global HQ
What We Offer
Competitive salary:
€70,000 per annum (Germany)
£60,615 per annum (UK equivalent)
Annual production bonus (approx. 2% of basic salary)
Private pension scheme (UK)
Private medical insurance
Health cash plan
Life assurance (2x basic salary)
24 days annual leave plus public holidays
Well-funded staff development programme
Dedicated training and development team
Access to fully equipped optical labs, prototyping facilities and advanced software tools
Opportunity to influence patented, market-leading technology
About Us
We are a world-leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision optical, digital and metrology systems, operating at the premium end of the market.
With over 250 employees globally and £38M annual turnover, we design and manufacture patented ergonomic instrumentation used across:
Aerospace
Automotive
Electronics manufacturing
Precision engineering
Medical device manufacturing
Robotics and research sectors
Our 85,000 sq. ft purpose-built Global HQ in Surrey houses state-of-the-art R&D labs, optical benches, prototyping facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations. We also operate internationally across Europe, North America and Asia.
With 68 years of engineering excellence and multiple Queen’s Awards, we continue to invest heavily in R&D and innovation — resulting in ongoing global patent generation and market-leading products.
Apply by emailing your CV to Lee Evans at Inception Pro
Call Lee on DD number
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