Careers at Ceres

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to drive our cutting-edge holographic capability to the next level. This includes developing:

• Novel holographic products, including AR-HUD and Transparent Displays
• Models of system and component level performance
• Holographic mastering, replication, and test capability

Ceres has developed unique technology to design, print, replicate and test holograms for a range of industries, including automotive, trucking, agricultural, construction and consumer electronics. We have developed sophisticated optical machines with high-speed dynamic control systems. These provide a route to manufacture large format, optically flexible holographic optical elements, at scale. Ceres is currently developing its core product range, driven by strong customer interest from global customers.

We are currently seeking a strong candidate to drive this capability to the next level. They will further develop our existing product offering and optical automation toolset. The candidate will work closely with our expert engineering and operations teams to accomplish this. They will also deal with suppliers, contractors, and customers where appropriate.

This is a challenging role. Understanding our products and the underlying fundamental physics, and then turning this into robust products is the heart of the role. The Principal Optical Engineer will report to the Director of Engineering and be based at our newly developed site in Livingston, Scotland.

Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate is likely to be degree qualified in a technical subject, such as Physics, Laser Engineering, or a similar technical discipline. It is anticipated that they will hold a higher degree such as a PhD in a relevant field. We anticipate that the applicant will have at least 10 years’ experience in a high-tech work environment, ideally within a growing optical company. Other relevant industrial experience will be considered, including automotive.

Experience with any of the following subjects is directly relevant:

• Optical product development and manufacture
• In-depth optical modelling, including custom library development
• Optical prototyping and test in an optics lab
• Lasers, projectors, SLMs, DMDs, cameras
• Optical machine development
• Programming and instrument interfacing

Additional experience in other fields, such as electronics, process development or manufacturing engineering will be considered favourably.
We are looking for a candidate who can be autonomous, with the maturity to take ownership for significant strategic projects and drive them towards success. At the same time, there is a need to be an effective team member, working simultaneously on more than one project and interacting with world-leading technical authorities.
There is considerable scope for enhancement and growth in this role, as the company grows over the next short period.

Primary areas of focus will be operating Ceres proprietary hologram replication equipment. Preparation of holographic film for replicating using in-house machinery to produce finished products. The equipment covers both low volume prototype and larger continuous roll-to-roll volume machines. Day to Day work will involve working in a cleanroom environment with thin film photosensitive material, glass, and film lamination equipment.

• Holographic Replication Machine operation and control
• Preparation and lamination of copy film on to glass substrates
• Operating UV Cure Equipment
• Optical Test and Inspection of finished products
• Packaging and shipping of finished product to outside vendors and customers
• General housekeeping
• Monitoring and replenishment of material and consumable stock
• Maintain production and test records
• Testing of optical parts with spectrophotometer
• Laser and Optical Equipment set-up
• Routine monitoring checks and maintenance of replication equipment