Principal Optical Research Scientist

A highly experienced Optical Scientist who will lead the optical development, design, and optimization of advanced Instrumentation. This role combines theoretical expertise with practical implementation in both research and commercial applications for all PerkinElmer products.

The hands-on role requires the successful candidate to develop a good understanding of the function and use of the product as well as the underlying technology, in order to be able to develop and document both high-level functional and performance requirements and detailed sub-system requirements.

Collaborates with Key stakeholders to contribute to system design and specification, which may include concept development, design calculations or modelling of the system. The role will include collaboration and support of all PerkinElmer R&D centres.

The role also includes investigation of selected manufacturing/field failures in order to determine root cause and initiate remedial actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, modelling (e.g., Zemax), and development of sophisticated optical systems for PerkinElmer’s diverse product lines, including but not limited to:
• Spectrophotometers (UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR)
• Atomic spectroscopy (AAS, ICP-OES/MS)
• Imaging systems (microscopy, plate readers)
• laser-based instrumentation
• Define and validate system-level optical specifications and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with product requirements and market needs.
• Optimize optical designs for critical performance parameters such as sensitivity, resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, and manufacturability.
• Develop and document high-level functional requirements and detailed optical sub-system specifications.
• Conduct rigorous experimental validation and calibration of optical systems and instruments
• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical lead on complex optical challenges across multiple projects and product categories.
• Lead and contribute to research initiatives for novel spectroscopic techniques and innovative optical solutions that can be integrated into future PerkinElmer products.
• Actively investigate and evaluate emerging optical technologies, materials, and methodologies for potential application.
• Mentor and guide junior optical scientists and engineers, fostering technical growth within the team.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary R&D teams (including mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers) across global sites (UK, China, North America) to ensure seamless integration of optical systems.
• Lead root cause analysis for complex manufacturing or field issues related to optical systems, proposing and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability (DFM) and support the transfer of new optical designs.
• Author comprehensive technical documentation, research papers, and invention disclosures
  
  

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. A Master's or PhD is highly preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of significant experience in a technical leadership role focused on the design, development, and integration of complex free-space and imaging optical systems for instrumentation
• Expert-level proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax) for ray tracing, analysis, tolerancing, and optimization.
• Demonstrable experience in specifying optical components (lenses, mirrors, gratings, detectors, light sources) and a strong understanding of their manufacturing processes and limitations.
• Proven track record of working within structured product development programs (e.g., phase-gate processes) from concept to market launch.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Strong ability to assess technical risks, identify failure modes, and develop mitigation strategies. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to plan, manage, and drive technical projects to completion
  
  

Advantageous:

• Direct experience with the optical design of one or more of the following: spectrophotometers (UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR), fluorescence systems, atomic spectroscopy instruments (AAS, ICP-OES/MS), or advanced microscopy/imaging systems.
• Experience in the design, troubleshooting, and manufacture of electro-mechanical scientific instrumentation.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
• Experience collaborating with international, cross-functional teams.
• A portfolio of patents or peer-reviewed publications in relevant optical fields
  
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of optical instrumentation.
• Highly analytical and data-driven, with attention to detail.
• Proactive, task- and goal-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Adaptable and resilient, comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities in a dynamic R&D environment.
• A collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Customer-focused and quality-driven, committed to delivering high-performance, reliable products.
• Possesses the ability to see both the fine details and the "big picture" implications of design choices