Junior Laser Applications Engineer

Mploy Group; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Mploy Group is seeking a Junior Laser Applications Development Engineer to join a dynamic technology business advancing laser-based manufacturing processes.

This graduate‑level role is heavily hands‑on, laboratory oriented, and involves working with short‑pulse solid‑state lasers, optical systems, and beam delivery tech to develop and optimise laser processing techniques for high‑tech manufacturing.

Qualifications

• BSc/MPhys/MSc in Physics or related engineering discipline with lab experience.
• Practical hands-on approach to experimentation and data collection.
• Strong understanding of optics and fundamental physics.
• Knowledge of materials science, including thermodynamics or phase changes.
• Attention to detail and methodical data analysis.
• Interest in mechanics, electronics and software alongside core physics.
• Clear communication of technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laser-material interaction experiments.
• Operate short-pulse laser systems and beam delivery equipment.
• Develop and optimise laser processing parameters.
• Use microscopy and metrology to analyse results.
• Correlate laser parameters with material properties and outcomes.
• Apply physics principles to engineering challenges.
• Support development of process control methodologies.
• Analyse data and identify trends for improvements.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation.
• Communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Support transition of lab results to industrial production.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and international projects.

Skills

Optics knowledge

Data analysis

Laboratory experimentation

Attention to detail

Curiosity

Education

BSc in Physics

MPhys

MSc in Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Junior Laser Applications Development Engineer

Location: Oxfordshire Salary: £30,000-£40,000 Sector: Advanced Technology / Laser Processing / Semiconductor & Solar Level: Graduate / Junior

Mploy Group is recruiting for a Junior Laser Applications Development Engineer to join a highly innovative technology business developing advanced laser-based manufacturing processes and equipment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Physics, Applied Physics or related Engineering graduate who enjoys practical experimentation and wants to build a career working with cutting‑edge laser technology.

The position is heavily hands‑on and laboratory focused. You'll work with short‑pulse solid‑state lasers, optical systems and advanced beam delivery technology, developing and optimising laser‑material processing techniques for high‑technology manufacturing applications.

Working alongside experienced physicists and engineers, you'll have the opportunity to develop deep expertise in laser processing while contributing to technology that ultimately moves from laboratory development into industrial production environments.

The Role

You will investigate how different materials respond to laser processing, designing experiments and analysing results to establish the optimum parameters for different applications.

The role combines physics, optics, materials science and practical engineering, with exposure to software, electronics and process control.

• Designing and conducting laser‑material interaction experiments
• Operating short‑pulse solid‑state laser systems and beam delivery equipment
• Developing and optimising laser processing parameters
• Using microscopy, metrology and diagnostic equipment to analyse results
• Investigating the relationship between laser parameters, material properties and process outcomes
• Applying fundamental physics principles to practical engineering challenges
• Supporting the development of process control equipment and methodologies
• Analysing experimental data and identifying trends and improvements
• Maintaining accurate experimental records, methodologies and technical documentation
• Communicating findings clearly to engineering and technical teams
• Supporting the transition of successful processes towards industrial applications
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and technology teams
• Supporting international projects where required

About You

• BSc, MPhys, MSc or equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics or a closely related Engineering discipline
• Strong understanding of optics and fundamental physics
• Knowledge of materials science, including thermodynamics, phase changes or material structures
• A practical, hands‑on approach to experimentation
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to collecting and analysing data
• Natural curiosity and enthusiasm for science and engineering
• An interest in mechanics, electronics and software alongside core physics
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly
• Willingness to learn from experienced engineers and scientists

Desirable Experience

• Academic, internship or commercial experience working with lasers or optical systems
• Optical alignment experience
• Microscopy, metrology or laboratory measurement techniques
• Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW
• Hardware control or experimental automation
• Mechanical design or practical mechanical engineering
• Semiconductor, electronics or photovoltaic technology exposure
• Mandarin language skills

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to move into a specialist area of laser applications and advanced manufacturing technology while receiving significant technical mentorship.

Rather than joining in a purely theoretical capacity, you'll be directly involved in experimentation, process development and solving real‑world engineering problems.

The organisation operates internationally, so there may also be opportunities for occasional overseas travel to support technology transfer, projects, site visits and conferences.

For a Physics graduate who enjoys being in the lab, experimenting with technology and understanding the science behind advanced manufacturing processes, this offers an excellent platform to develop into a specialist Laser Applications Engineer.