Laser Development Engineer

Coherent; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laser technology company in Glasgow is seeking a detail-oriented development engineer to join its R&D team. The ideal candidate will design cutting-edge laser systems, conduct feasibility studies, and troubleshoot performance issues. Candidates should have a PhD in laser technology or equivalent experience, with a deep understanding of optics and ultrashort laser pulses. This role offers competitive remuneration and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Contributory pension scheme

Subsidized private healthcare

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in laser manufacturing or development.
• Deep understanding of ultrashort laser pulses, mode-locking, nonlinear optics, and dispersion.
• Proficiency with optical and electrical test equipment required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical feasibility studies for ultrashort pulse fibre lasers.
• Build and assess prototypes based on feasibility studies.
• Troubleshoot laser performance issues.
• Provide detailed technical reports to the engineering team.

Skills

Optics

Laser technology

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent in solid-state or fibre laser technology

Tools

LabVIEW

Zemax

Oscilloscopes

Job description

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At Coherent Scotland, we develop laser systems that help people. Our systems are deployed in various markets including renewable energy, microelectronics, fundamental research, life sciences, and medicine. Our aim is to make a positive impact on everyone’s life by providing customers with lasers that offer superior reliability and performance.

Coherent Scotland has experienced strong and consistent growth over the past ten years, even during global economic downturns. We have a healthy product development pipeline that will support continued growth, creating exciting opportunities for personal development within the organization.

Located at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, Coherent Scotland is a subsidiary of Coherent Inc., a global leader in laser manufacturing. Our purpose-built facility houses research and development, manufacturing, and marketing departments. We operate several projects at different stages of development and have recently expanded into new labs in a large extension of our factory. As we grow, we are seeking new talent to join our team during this exciting period.

We offer a friendly, business-oriented environment, an on-site cafeteria, and a competitive remuneration package including a contributory pension scheme, subsidized private healthcare, and free life assurance.

About the role

We currently have an immediate opening for a detail-oriented development engineer to join our R&D team responsible for designing cutting-edge laser systems. We seek a motivated self-starter capable of working from general instructions and independently identifying all necessary elements to complete tasks. You will be responsible for achieving personal and team goals, delivering project outputs, and adapting quickly to changing requirements. You will have access to a global talent pool with expertise in optical fibre design, laser crystal growth, and manufacturing. Guidance and training will be provided, and you will work across the entire product lifecycle, from feasibility studies to production transfer, gaining exposure to various aspects of our business.

Responsibilities will include:

1. Conducting technical feasibility studies for ultrashort pulse fibre lasers and their integration into laser systems.
2. Building, assessing, and qualifying prototypes based on feasibility studies.
3. Troubleshooting laser performance issues.
4. Providing detailed technical reports and presentations to the engineering team.
5. Supporting laser manufacturing teams with technical expertise.
6. Collaborating within a multidisciplinary engineering team to design laser systems.
7. Working with local and international experts.
8. Defining specifications and sourcing laser parts and components.

Education and Work Experience:

• PhD or equivalent in solid-state or fibre laser technology, or demonstrable experience in laser manufacturing or development.
• Deep understanding of optics and lasers, especially ultrashort laser pulses, mode-locking, nonlinear optics, and dispersion.
• Practical experience in creating breadboard laser systems is preferred.
• Experience in taking products through parts of the engineering lifecycle from feasibility to production.
• Proficiency with optical and electrical test equipment (power meters, spectrometers, auto-correlators, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
• Knowledge of LabVIEW for data acquisition and instrument control is advantageous.
• Experience with optical modelling software (e.g., Zemax) or developing optical models via custom code.
• Basic understanding of electronics and control systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Capability to work independently from general instructions and collaboratively within a team.