Optical Systems Engineer

Please Apply by 5 pm, UK time, 21st of November 2025

SPARTA Biodiscovery is a scientific instruments business, centred around the SPARTA® – Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis – technology. We enable development of next-gen nano-formulations and nano-therapeutics by providing high level compositional analysis of nanoparticles through use of the AGIS I, our primary product.

Currently implemented in both academic and industry facilities in Europe and North America, SPARTA users have optimized formulation parameters in LNP and PNP production, demonstrated incorporation of critical components at the single particle level, and identified diagnostic potential of biologically derived nanoparticles. The use of our Raman approach continues to evolve as users identify novel ways to utilise the data-rich output and as we develop further SOPs and software improvements.

London-based Biotech

As a spin-out company of Imperial College, Sparta Biodiscovery is based at Scale Space in White City, London, a growing life science cluster with a modern office and brand-new laboratory space. SPARTA Biodiscovery invites you to become part of a vibrant and professional workplace with the chance of bringing ideas to life and science to market for the benefit of both society and human welfare.

Our mission  

SPARTA Biodiscovery was established with the mission of providing a cutting-edge solution for high-throughput single-particle characterisation of novel nanoformulations to expedite their development and optimisation, as well as manufacturing and quality control. Our unique patented SPARTA® platform measures biomolecular signatures for single particles in nanoformulations to provide information on their composition, therapeutic loading and functionalisation with minimal sample preparation and particle modification.

We are passionate about solving challenges in global health through enabling rapid development of novel therapeutic nanoformulations for previously undruggable targets. We are building a team of people who share our passion for solving this problem through close collaboration and innovative thinking. We seek individuals who are driven to rapidly translate science into products and services, capable of transforming the nanoformulation analytical space, in a creative, supportive, and collaborative environment.

The role

We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Systems Engineer with a strong background in optical systems and experience in mechanical and electrical engineering. The engineer will be responsible for assembly and release testing of advanced Raman spectroscopy instruments as well as supporting maintenance and troubleshooting.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Assembly and testing of Raman spectroscopy instruments. 
• Perform diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on Raman spectroscopy instruments. 
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams such as software and applications, to resolve complex system issues involving optics, mechanics, and electronics. 
• Maintain detailed service records and contribute to continuous improvement of service procedures. 
• Develop and implement quality compliance protocols. 
• Provide technical insights to R&D and manufacturing processes to improve system reliability and performance. 
• Supporting the service and repairs at client sites. 

Required Experience: 

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or similar field, with 1-2 years of industry experience. 
• Or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Photonics, Applied Physics, Optical Systems), with 4+ years of industry experience. 
• Proven experience working with optical systems, ideally in a spectroscopy or imaging context. 
• Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles. 
• Hands-on experience with system-level troubleshooting. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

Additional desirable skills

• Experience with Raman spectroscopy or similar analytical instrumentation. 
• Familiarity with laser systems, fibre optics, and precision alignment techniques. 
• Knowledge of control systems, embedded electronics, and data acquisition. 
• Ability to work independently and design, implement and manage processes. 

Additional requirements

• Right to work in the United Kingdom is required.
• This is a lab based role and the candidate will be required to work 4-5 days a week on site in London.

Benefits at SPARTA Biodiscovery include:

• Competitive base salary package commensurate with level of experience
• Evolving benefits package as the company grows
• Becoming part of a diverse excited team focused on growing a great company based on innovative technologies that can have direct real-world impact
• Access to the exciting start-up community of innovators and entrepreneurs in London’s White City Innovation District and Scale Space

Further information

Helen Reynolds, Founder of Vita Research Associates, is our dedicated independent Talent Acquisition Consultant and all initial discussions and correspondence remain completely confidential until you decide to progress to the next stage of the process and give Helen your permission to share your details with SPARTA Biodiscovery.

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to helen@vitaresearch.co.uk, tel. 07780 968489 or contact her for further information or if you have any queries or concerns about the role or the process.

Please Apply by 5 pm, UK time, 21st of November 2025

SPARTA Biodiscovery is an equal-opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or marital status.

Legal authorization to work in the United Kingdom is required. In compliance with UK law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. SPARTA Biodiscovery reserves the right not to make an appointment.