Optical Engineer

Senior/Principal Optical Engineer – Medical Device & Imaging Systems

Background

Pictura Bio is an innovative MedTech start-up developing a next-generation point-of-care diagnostic platform. Founded in 2021 as a University of Oxford spin-out, we are advancing technology that enables rapid pathogen identification for earlier diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Our platform integrates fluorescence microscopy, electronics, mechanics, fluidics, software, and biological assays into a highly integrated system. Alongside our long-term objective of developing a regulatory-compliant medical diagnostic device, we aim to develop and supply advanced imaging systems and diagnostic assays for external customers. This offers our team the opportunity to work across both commercial instrumentation and next-generation diagnostic development.

Overview of the Role

You will own the optical development of our instrument platforms, working closely with the engineering and assay teams to translate scientific requirements into robust imaging solutions. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, this role suits an experienced engineer with a strong background in fluorescence microscopy and biological imaging systems who thrives in a multidisciplinary start-up environment.

This is fundamentally an engineering role focused on practical, deliverable systems. We are looking for someone who understands how to develop manufacturable optical systems using commercially available and bespoke components, and who can make sound engineering decisions balancing performance, complexity, cost, and reliability.

You will act as the optical subject matter expert across:

• Fluorescence microscopy and imaging systems

• Illumination and detection architectures

• Optical component selection

• Optical testing and characterisation

You will ensure that:

• Optical requirements are clearly defined and informed by system and assay demands.

• Optical performance is appropriately characterised and verified.

• Optical designs remain practical, manufacturable, and scalable.

• Technical decisions are clearly documented and communicated across disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Optical Design & Development

• Own the development and evolution of the platform optical architecture.

• Translate assay and system requirements into optical specifications.

• Specify illumination, filtering, and imaging solutions.

• Perform optical tolerance analysis and tolerance stack-up.

• Select and evaluate optical components and suppliers.

• Contribute to future platform developments and technology assessments.

Systems Integration

• Work closely with assay, mechanical, electronics, and software disciplines.

• Assess thermal and mechanical impacts on optical performance.

• Support integration of optical subsystems into complete instruments.

• Diagnose and resolve cross-disciplinary performance issues.

• Communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Verification & Characterisation

• Develop optical test methods, characterisation procedures, performance metrics, and acceptance criteria.

• Support verification activities and root-cause investigations.

• Ensure optical performance supports overall system requirements.

Quality & Regulatory

• Contribute optical design records to the Design History File.

• Support development activities within an ISO 13485-aligned environment.

• Participate in risk management activities and design reviews.

• Support future regulatory submissions across key international markets.

About You

You are a practical engineer with strong optical fundamentals and proven experience developing real-world imaging systems. You will likely have:

• 5+ years' experience in optical engineering or imaging system development, with a minimum 2:1 degree in a related subject or extensive industry exposure

• Experience working with fluorescence microscopy-based instrumentation.

• Strong understanding of optics principles, imaging system performance, and optical component selection.

• Experience with laser systems and other narrowband illumination sources.

• Proficiency with optical design tools (e.g. Zemax, Code V, OpticStudio).

• Experience with optical testing, characterisation, and troubleshooting.

• An appreciation for manufacturability, reliability, and cost-driven design.

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Highly Desirable

• Experience in medical devices, diagnostics, biotechnology, or life sciences.

• Experience working within an ISO 13485 environment.

• Familiarity with imaging-based analysis systems.

• Experience supporting manufacture, calibration, or design transfer activities.

• Experience in a start-up or rapidly growing technology company.

Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll enjoy:

• Company equity

• Pension scheme

• Private healthcare

• Cycle to work scheme

• Professional institute subscriptions

• CPD investment and support

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing MedTech company at a pivotal stage in its development. You will play a key role in shaping both our commercial imaging systems and the future evolution of a novel diagnostic platform, with the opportunity to grow into a technical leadership position as the company expands