Teledyne Qioptiq delivers advanced optical solutions across a wide variety of applications in aerospace and space. Our technologies range from avionics to complex optronic modules and space-qualified optics. Based in Wales, we have around 650 employees, including more than 80 design engineers and we’re proud to play a vital role within the wider Teledyne group.

In fact, one of our facilities manufactures radiation-hardened glass and optical solar reflectors, which are essential for satellites and spacecraft. Around 80% of the space-qualified glass used on Western satellites comes from our site in Wales, something we’re extremely proud of. 

What does your role involve day to day?

My role is to work with OEM’s and Primes to identify to areas where they need support to solve their opto-mechanical problems, and introduce our engineering teams to help design and manufacture solutions. This includes providing modules such as head-up displays for commercial aircraft like Airbus and Boeing, to optics for satellite payloads.

How large is the business development team on the space side?

At the moment, it’s just myself covering the Advanced Optronics business line across all product areas. We do have account managers who support ongoing projects with our key customers, but in terms of new business development, that responsibility sits with me.  We are actively looking to grow that team though.

We’re also working closely with colleagues in other Teledyne businesses, so we can combine sensors and optics into complete packages for our customers.

What does your day-to-day look like? Do you travel much?

I look for opportunities to meet my customers where they’re based or at events around the world; recently I’ve travelled to the United States and within Europe. We’re currently looking at opportunities in Asia.

Getting out and meeting customers face-to-face is one of the best parts of the role.

Where do you see the main growth opportunities for Teledyne in space?

From my perspective, one highlight is that we’re supplying a spectrometer for the Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover, working with Aberystwyth University. That’s a huge achievement considering we started almost from scratch in this area.

Looking ahead, I see two channels of growth:

• Working with other Teledyne businesses to package optics and sensors together, adding more value and providing customers with a reduced supply chain and reduced risk.
• Partnering with external sensor manufacturers to offer complete optical systems.

There’s also increasing demand from commercial space companies for off-the-shelf products, and we are adapting to meet that. However, our strength lies in bespoke, custom-built solutions that solve complex problems – optics that are smaller, lighter, and higher performing.

You’ve recently moved into the space sector – what’s been the most exciting part of that shift?

It’s all still quite new to me, but that’s what makes it so interesting. I’m now learning about the very different requirements of space, from low Earth orbit through to deep-space applications. For me, it’s about discovering how we can apply our engineering expertise to new challenges and proving that we can deliver.

I’d call myself a bit of a “newbie” in the space world, but it’s exciting to be at the start of that journey.

What do you personally enjoy most about your role?

Meeting customers, listening to their challenges, and then working with our engineers to create solutions. The most rewarding part is when you can go back to a customer and say, “Here’s how we’ve solved that problem for you.” That’s when you see the value we bring.

And finally, how does your role connect with Teledyne Space Imaging?

Although my role is with Teledyne Qioptiq, I’m part of the wider Teledyne business development effort for space. We work together across different Teledyne businesses to grow our presence in this sector. It’s about collaboration – bringing our combined expertise in sensors, optics and imaging to customers around the world.

Teledyne Space Imaging incorporates space-related products and services supplied by Teledyne Qioptiq.