Laser Development Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative laser systems is seeking an experienced Laser Development Engineer to join its R&D team in Glasgow. This role encompasses the complete product lifecycle, focusing on developing advanced laser systems for various global markets. Responsibilities include conducting technical studies, building prototypes, and collaborating with experts in the field. A strong background in laser technology and a PhD are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in laser manufacturing or development environment.
• Ability to create and optimize laser systems.
• Understanding of control systems and electronics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical feasibility studies for pulsed fiber lasers.
• Build and qualify prototypes based on feasibility studies.
• Deliver technical support to manufacturing teams.

Skills

Optics

Laser Systems

Troubleshooting

Technical Reporting

Collaboration

Python

Education

PhD in solid state or fiber laser-based area

Tools

Optical modelling software (e.g., Zemax)

Test equipment (e.g., power meters, oscilloscopes)

Job description

Job Description

A leading provider of innovative laser systems to help people in various global markets, including but not limited to renewables, microelectronics, research, life science, automotive, and medicine.

We are seeking an experienced Laser Development Engineer to join the R&D team in developing advanced laser systems. In this role, you’ll be responsible for delivering project outputs and contributing to team and personal goals, while adapting to changing priorities and identifying critical needs.

You’ll be exposed to the entire product lifecycle, from feasibility studies to production handover, and will collaborate with colleagues across the organization, including access to global experts in laser and optical technologies and world-class manufacturing capabilities.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES.

• Conducting technical feasibility studies in the design of ultrashort pulsed fiber lasers and their use in laser systems.
• Building, assessing, and qualifying prototypes based on these feasibility studies.
• Troubleshooting laser performance issues.
• Providing detailed and technically thorough reports/presentations to the engineering team.
• Providing technical support to the laser manufacturing teams.
• Working within a multi-disciplined engineering team to design laser systems.
• Collaborating with local and international experts.
• Defining specifications and sourcing of laser parts and components.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• PhD or equivalent in a solid state or fiber laser-based area or demonstrable experience of working in a laser manufacturing or development environment.
• Understanding of the principles of optics and lasers.
• Demonstrable practical ability in the creation of breadboard laser systems or in assembling and optimizing laser systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experienced in the use of test equipment, both optical (power meters, spectrometers, auto-correlators, etc.) and electrical (oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analysers, etc.).
• Experienced in the use of optical modelling software packages (for example, Zemax) and/or the development of optical models via custom code.
• General understanding of electronics and control systems.

Additional Skills

• Knowledge of ultrashort laser pulses, mode-locking techniques, optical nonlinearities, and dispersion is desirable.
• Ability to program in Python for data analysis and modelling systems.
• Knowledge of control systems and familiarity with circuit diagrams to debug complex system issues.
• Experience of working with SBRs (saturable Bragg reflectors) and aspects of their design and processing for use in ultra-fast laser systems.