Location: Basildon, Bristol, Edinburgh, Luton or Southampton (4 days per week onsite at one of these sites)Duration: 6 month initial contractRate: 64.20ph UMB (Inside IR35) Role details:Our client, a leader in the Defence and Security sector, is currently seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to join their team on a contract basis. This role can be based at Basildon, Bristol, Edinburgh, Luton or Southampton, and will support the research, design, and development of next-generation InfraRed (IR) Products. Key Responsibilities:Deliver support to the research, design, development, and manufacturing phases of the product lifecycleContribute to system architecture definition, specification, and development of lens designUndertake analyses and performance simulations for optical solutionsSupport integration and testing of optical systemsDeliver solutions that consider design for manufacture, assembly, and testLiaise with the customer community and engage regularly with the external supply chainWork within a multi-disciplinary Integrated Project Team (IPT) Job Requirements:Strong understanding of fibre optics and InfraRed (IR) technologyProven knowledge within optical materials and optical coatings for IR SystemsProficiency in system architecture definition and modelling/designing lens solutions using industry standard tools (preferably OpticStudio / Zemax).Ability to conduct detailed analysis and performance simulationsExperience with integration and testing of optical systemsUnders