Experimental Physicist - Photonics in Cambridge)

Newton Colmore Consulting; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus programme

Career progression

Training

Job summary

Newton Colmore Consulting in Cambridge is seeking a Senior/Principal Experimental Physicist to join its defence-focused R&D team. You will own the complete design process, from concept through to manufacturing, tackling complex sensing instruments and systems designed to protect lives.

You will apply expertise in optical physics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics and fluids, with added experience in machine learning or AI.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a physicist in one of the specified areas of expertise.
• Strong academic record and a passion for advancing technology.
• Ability to attain and maintain security clearance.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the end‑to‑end design process, including invention and ideation, analysis, computational modelling, prototype design and transfer to manufacturing.
• Work closely with engineers, scientists and innovators on existing and new projects.
• Apply expertise in optical physics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics, fluidics, and ideally machine learning or AI to product development.

Skills

Physicist experience

Strong academic record

Security clearance eligible

Collaborative mindset

Job description

About the Role

A leading developer of highly complex sensing instruments for the defence industry, based in Cambridge, is looking for senior physicists to join its research and development teams. The role is that of a principal experimental physicist, working on complex systems and instruments designed to protect lives. You will own the complete design process, from initial concept to manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Take responsibility for the end‑to‑end design process, including invention and ideation, analysis, computational modelling, prototype design and transfer to manufacturing. Work closely with engineers, scientists and innovators on existing and new projects. Apply expertise in optical physics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics, fluidics, and ideally machine learning or AI to product development.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a physicist in one of the specified areas of expertise.
• Strong academic record and a passion for advancing technology.
• Ability to attain and maintain security clearance.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a collaborative mindset.

Benefits and Compensation

The company offers a highly competitive tailored package, including a bonus programme, career progression opportunities and training.