Laser Applications Team Leader

Anonymous; Oxford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company in Oxford is seeking an experienced Laser Applications Team Leader to guide a skilled team in laser R&D and materials processing. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in laser optics and is adept at team leadership. This role offers an opportunity to collaborate globally on advanced laser and photonics technologies and contribute to innovation in precision manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in laser R&D, laser processing, or optical systems engineering.
• Proven ability to develop, optimise, and lead laser processes (cutting, welding, marking, drilling).

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the laser applications team.
• Translate customer requirements into effective laser processes.
• Provide technical sales support and deliver presentations to customers.

Skills

Laser optics

Laser processing techniques

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Documentation skills

Effective communication

Education

Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, Optical Engineering

Master's or PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Laser Applications Team Leader / Laser Process Engineer

Location: Oxford

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are seeking an experienced Laser Applications Team Leader (Laser Process Engineer or Photonics Engineer) to lead our hands‑on laser R&D, materials processing, and customer application development team. This role is ideal for an engineer with expertise in laser optics, laser‑material interaction, and optical systems integration, who enjoys guiding a team while remaining actively involved in experimental work.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Project Management
  • Lead and coordinate the laser applications team, scheduling R&D and customer development projects.
  • Work with management, sales, and engineering teams to prioritise work and allocate resources.
  • Track project progress, make timely interventions, and report on R&D milestones to management.
• Laser Process Development
  • Translate customer requirements into effective laser processes (cutting, welding, drilling, marking, micromachining).
  • Set up and align laser and optical systems (fiber, diode, femtosecond, or UV lasers).
  • Analyse laser-material interactions to improve process quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
  • Collect data, analyse results, and produce high‑quality documentation and technical reports.
• Customer and Applications Support
  • Provide technical sales support and deliver presentations or demonstrations to customers.
  • Collaborate with clients to optimise process parameters for their applications.
• System Integration & Machine Commissioning
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure machines meet process requirements.
  • Support machine commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance, including occasional international travel.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years' experience in laser R&D, laser processing, or optical systems engineering.
• Strong knowledge of laser optics, beam delivery, and materials processing techniques.
• Proven ability to develop, optimise, and lead laser processes (cutting, welding, marking, drilling).
• Excellent team leadership, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Effective communicator and collaborative team player.

Desirable

• Master's or PhD in a relevant technical field.
• Experience in electronics, photovoltaics, or semiconductor manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Chinese language advantageous.

Why Join Us

• Lead a skilled laser applications team working on cutting‑edge laser and photonics technologies.
• Combine hands‑on R&D with strategic team leadership and project management.
• Collaborate globally with industry‑leading engineers and customers.
• Contribute to technologies shaping the future of precision manufacturing and optical engineering.

If you're a motivated engineer ready to take on a leadership role in laser process development, apply today and help drive innovation in our laser applications team.