Concept Engineer

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