Optical Design Engineer

About The Role The Optical Design Engineer designs, develops and maintains optical products and technologies by applying optical, physical and engineering principles throughout the product-development lifecycle. The role delivers innovative, manufacturable and performance-compliant optical solutions that meet product, system, customer and business requirements.

Qualification and experience:

• Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a relevant technical discipline.
• A Master of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering or a related field will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in optical design, product development or a related engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development, integration and testing of optical systems and components.
• Experience within a multidisciplinary product-development, engineering or manufacturing environment will be advantageous.

Key technical skills:

• Optical System and Lens Design
• Optical Analysis and Optimisation
• Zemax Optical Design Tools
• Optical Simulation and Modelling
• Optical Materials and Component Selection
• Optical Coatings and Adhesives
• Optical Actuators and Sensors
• Laser Design, Modelling and Safety
• Optical Metrology
• Optical Alignment and Integration
• Optical Performance Evaluation
• Optical Packaging and Precision Assembly
• Engineering Tolerance Analysis
• Material Properties and Surface Treatments
• Optical Manufacturing Processes
• Three-Dimensional CAD Modelling
• MATLAB, Python and Mathcad
• Engineering Drawing and Specification Interpretation
• Engineering Change Control
• Prototype Development and Testing
• Optical Qualification and Industrialisation
• Test Equipment, Jig and Fixture Development

Key responsibilities: Optical Research And Requirements Definition Analyse customer, end-user, system and product requirements through optical research and engineering evaluation to define technical requirements and identify suitable materials and technologies, resulting in viable solutions aligned with product-performance and lifecycle objectives.

Optical Design and Development Design and optimise optical systems, components and associated packaging using optical modelling, simulation, component selection and tolerancing to satisfy defined technical and manufacturing requirements, resulting in innovative, functional and production-ready solutions.

Prototype Integration and Qualification Develop, integrate and evaluate optical prototypes and assemblies using appropriate test equipment, jigs and fixtures to verify design performance and qualification requirements, resulting in validated solutions ready for industrialisation and production.

Product Lifecycle and Technical Support Provide specialist optical-engineering support across production and in-service product environments by investigating technical problems, non-conformances and end-user requirements to implement controlled design improvements, resulting in sustained product performance, quality and configuration integrity.

Technical Governance and Capability Development Maintain optical-engineering governance through design reviews, change control, technical documentation, work scoping and specialist guidance to strengthen engineering discipline and transfer technical knowledge, resulting in improved organisational capability and consistent engineering outcomes.

Our recruitment values: HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organisational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 28 October 2026.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV by applying directly on the HENSOLDT Careers page.

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.