Laser Development Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading company in laser development is seeking a Development Engineer to join their R&D team in Glasgow. The role involves conducting feasibility studies, developing prototypes, and collaborating across various engineering disciplines. Candidates should hold a PhD in laser technology or have relevant experience. The successful applicant will enjoy a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Contributory pension scheme

Subsidised private healthcare

Free life assurance

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in laser technology or demonstrable experience.
• Deep understanding of ultrashort laser pulses and optics.
• Practical experience in laser systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical feasibility studies for ultrashort pulse fibre lasers.
• Build and qualify prototypes based on studies.
• Troubleshoot laser performance issues.

Skills

Optics and lasers

Project management

Troubleshooting

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

PhD in solid-state or fibre laser technology

Experience in laser manufacturing or development

Tools

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

LabVIEW

Optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax)

Job description

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 goal is to positively impact lives 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 slowdowns. We have a healthy product development pipeline that will support ongoing growth, creating exciting opportunities for personal development within the organization.

We are based at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow and are a subsidiary of Coherent Inc., a global leader in laser manufacturing. Our purpose-built facility houses research and development, manufacturing, and marketing departments. Recently, we moved into new labs within a large extension to our factory. As we expand, we are seeking new talent to join our team, making this an exciting time to be part of Coherent Scotland.

Our friendly, business-oriented environment offers an on-site cafeteria, a competitive remuneration package, contributory pension scheme, subsidised private healthcare, and free life assurance.

About the role

We have an immediate opening for a detail-oriented Development Engineer to join our R&D team, focusing on the design of cutting-edge laser systems. We seek a motivated self-starter capable of working independently and seeking out all necessary elements to complete tasks. You will be responsible for achieving both personal and team goals and delivering project-focused outcomes. The role requires adaptability to changing requirements, prioritization skills, and understanding of critical needs.

You will have access to a global talent pool, with expertise spanning optical fibre design, laser crystal growth, and manufacturing. Collaboration and guidance 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

• Conduct technical feasibility studies for ultrashort pulse fibre lasers and their integration into laser systems.
• Build, assess, and qualify prototypes based on feasibility studies.
• Troubleshoot laser performance issues.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for the engineering team.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary engineering team to design laser systems.
• Define specifications and source 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, particularly 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.
• Proficient with test equipment such as power meters, spectrometers, auto-correlators, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
• 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 coding is desirable.
• Basic understanding of electronics and control systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Capable of working independently or as part of a team, following general instructions.