Laser Applications Engineer

Oxford Lasers; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Up to 30 days holiday

Group Pension with company match

Private Medical Scheme (BUPA)

Permanent health insurance

Friendly working environment

Job summary

Oxford Lasers is seeking a highly capable graduate engineer/scientist to join the Contract Micromachining Laboratory team. You will develop laser micromachining processes and run production work on state-of-the-art laser systems, spanning UV to IR wavelengths and femtosecond to nanosecond pulse durations.

The role reports to the Senior Manager of Contract Services and is based at the Didcot facility. It offers opportunities to support testing, installation and field support, with potential

Qualifications

• Graduate with strong background in lasers/optical engineering.
• Experience with laser micromachining is advantageous.
• Right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Produce samples and production parts with reports.
• Ensure parts meet customer quality expectations.
• Develop laser processing techniques for specific applications.
• Collaborate with team members to optimise processes.
• Support sales with technical advice.
• Follow Health and Safety procedures.

Skills

Laser micromachining

Materials science

Machine control software

Metrology

Optical systems

Education

Lasers/Optical Engineering degree

Job description

Oxford Lasers Ltd is a high technology company headquartered in Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. The company designs and manufactures complete laser micro-machining systems, supplies subcontract laser micromachining services and carries out after sales services.

The laser systems come in two groups; micromachining and imaging. Micromachining systems use a laser beam to perform a wide variety of micromachining tasks in many different materials and for many different applications. Imaging systems use a laser, specialist camera and software to produce an instrument capable of measuring and analysing very small, fast moving particles sizes, speeds, sprays etc for a range of applications.

The company was founded in 1977 as a spin-out from Oxford University and still retains its unique skills in laser technology and applications. The company has an active R&D programme and aims to be world-leading in its chosen fields. Our customers are mainly international.

Oxford Lasers is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Background to the Position

The Micromachining Division of the company operates across a broad range of applications supported by a number of applications and development engineers. The Division is involved with applications ranging from 24/7 production processes to newly developed via grant funded R&D projects. Oxford Lasers’ technology is world-leading in many areas of laser micromachining.

The Micromachining Division supplies integrated, complex laser micromachining systems to high-tech companies and universities throughout the world. The company also operates a very successful Laser Micromachining Subcontract service. This role underpins both systems and sub-contract activities.

The Position

We are looking for a highly skilled and hands-on engineer or scientist to join our busy Contract Micromachining Laboratory team. In this role you will be developing laser micromachining processes for our customers as well as running production work for them. You will be working with our state-of-the-art laser systems which have wavelengths from the UV to the IR and pulse durations of femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond as well as advanced motion control systems.

The position reports to the Senior Manager of Contract Services and works in part of a highly motivated, busy and growing team of engineers and scientists. The role is based out of the Didcot, Oxfordshire facility.

The role will suit a graduate who is keen to develop a career in a high-tech industry. The role is focused on operating our in-house state-of-the-art laser micromachining systems and also developing new processes. It is very applications focused and is centred around one of the company’s core competencies, laser micro-drilling. This makes the job very interesting but on the other hand the high demand for our services means that work must adhere to strict deadlines. During busy periods the role may involve weekend work on a rota (typically 4 – 8 hours on 1 weekend per month).

After sufficient training and experience there can be opportunities to support the testing, installation and field support of our range of micro-machining systems.

Responsibilities

Primarily, but not limited to:

• Production of both samples and production parts together with reports.
• Ensuring that the quality of the parts produced meets or exceeds customer expectations.
• Developing laser process techniques for specific applications and customer requirements.
• Work closely with other members of the team.
• Supporting the sales team with technical advice.
• To work in accordance with safety procedures detailed within the Health and Safety manual, taking care to avoid injury to themselves and others at work.
• Working to the highest professional standards both in house and at customers sites.

Other activities which from time to time you may be required to do:

• Helping in the test, installation and support of systems worldwide.
• To work on other applications or be deployed to other parts of the business as needs dictate.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Good degree or MSc in Lasers or Optical Engineering or Physics or Engineering or similar qualification plus equivalent practical experience
• Practical laser applications, especially micromachining is advantageous
• Some knowledge of the following
  • Laser micromachining
  • Materials science
  • Machine control software or programming
  • Metrology, microscopes, SEMs etc
  • Optical systems
• Good computer and IT skills
• The right to work in the UK

The Person

• Should readily take ownership of their tasks and complete them with their very best endeavours and to the best of their ability.
• Should fit comfortably in a very technical environment with a highly qualified and experienced staff.
• Should enjoy working in a small organisation where he/she has a considerable level of responsibility, but also needs to perform basic tasks on occasion. Willingness to support other aspects of the business or deliver other tasks as the company may require.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• A “can do” attitude.

We Offer

Oxford Lasers is a privately owned, well-established laser technology company with a 48-year history of innovation. It is a stimulating environment and we work internationally with a diverse range of customers and applications at the leading-edge of our technology areas. In addition to this we offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Up to 30 days holiday
• Group Personal Pension with equivalent company contribution of 6%
• Private Medical Scheme (BUPA)
• Permanent health insurance (income replacement)
• A friendly and supportive working environment working on world-leading technology