Staff Optical Engineer

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 Staff Optics Engineer, you will be a senior individual contributor within the Optical Engineering team, taking ownership of complex optical design challenges and contributing to the development and integration of the photonic platform from concept through to validated hardware. You will have a strong background in developing and manufacturing complex photonic based products. The role reports into the Optical Engineering Manager within the Product Development team.

You will work closely with component suppliers, research, product development and manufacturing teams to integrate leading edge photonic components including fiber optics lasers, PICs, custom photodetectors into the products. With a strong background in photonics based product design, you will work across optical system design, experimental characterisation, and subsystem integration and manufacturing.

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 the London (Kings Cross) or Bristol office.

Responsibilities:

• Own the design, modelling, and characterisation of optical subsystems including interferometry configurations, laser beam delivery, optical path optimisation, and stray light management

• Drive experimental work to validate optical performance, including alignment procedures, sensitivity testing, and signal-to-noise analysis under clinically relevant conditions

• Develop and maintain optical simulation models using tools such as Zemax, COMSOL, or equivalent, and translate simulation outputs into design specifications and tolerancing requirements

• Work with photonic component suppliers including laser manufacturers for the development of custom solutions for CoMind’s products.

• Support the integration of optical subsystems with mechanical, electronic, and embedded software components, working cross-functionally to ensure coherent end-to-end performance

• Contribute to design reviews, risk analyses, and verification and validation activities in line with ISO 14971, ISO 13485, and IEC 60601-1

• Author and review technical documentation including optical design specifications, test protocols, and evidence packages for regulatory submissions

• Identify and evaluate new optical components, materials, and approaches that could advance CoMind One’s sensing capabilities or improve manufacturability

• AI 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 effectively

Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in optical engineering, with hands-on experience designing and validating precision optical systems

• Deep expertise in laser interferometry, coherent optical sensing, or closely related optical measurement techniques

• Experience in developing custom photonic components such as laser diodes, PICs or photodetector arrays.

• Proficiency with optical simulation and modelling tools (Zemax, COMSOL, or similar) and experience translating simulation outputs into validated hardware designs

• Strong experimental background, including precision optical alignment, characterisation, and troubleshooting of complex optical assemblies

• Experience working within a regulated industry (medical devices, defence, semiconductor, or similar) with familiarity with ISO 14971 and design control processes

• Solid understanding of optical component technologies including laser sources, photodetectors, fibre optics, beamsplitters, and optical coatings

Nice to have:

• Background in biophotonics, diffuse optical imaging, or optical coherence tomography

• Experience with miniaturisation of optical systems for wearable or portable hardware

• Familiarity with cleanroom assembly and precision alignment techniques

• Experience with tolerance analysis and DFM for optical assemblies at production scale

• Knowledge of FDA regulatory pathways for optical medical devices

Benefits:

• Company equity plan so all employees share in the success of the company

• Salary-sacrifice pension scheme

• Private medical, dental and vision insurance (medical history disregarded)

• Group life assurance at 4x annual income

• Comprehensive mental health support, including unlimited access to 1:1 sessions with trained professionals

• Unlimited holiday allowance (+ bank holidays) and one week of remote working per quarter

• Lunch voucher (£10) every day for JustEat and free dinner on those days where you need to work later

• Twice weekly deliveries of fresh fruit and an extensive selection of snacks and drinks

• YuLife subscription, allowing you to turn your daily steps and meditation into discounts at a range of stores

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