Laser Engineer - Ultrafast Processing

Vector Recruitment Ltd; Harwell; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vector Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Laser Engineer – Ultrafast Processing in Oxfordshire. The role focuses on hands-on development of manufacturing processes using state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems for glass and photonic components.

You will design experiments, develop and validate processing methods, and collaborate with scientists to push the boundaries of ultrafast laser micromachining in real-world production.

Qualifications

• Degree/MSc/PhD in Physics, Photonics, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with ultrafast laser systems (femtosecond/picosecond).
• Experience in ultrafast laser micromachining or glass processing applications.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to translate concepts into validated manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop manufacturing processes for glass and photonic components.
• Test and validate ultrafast laser processing techniques on state-of-the-art systems.
• Analyse results to optimise processing parameters and yield.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to extend manufacturing capabilities.
• Support system integration and alignment for laser processing setups.
• Document methods and results to guide scalable production.

Skills

Ultrafast laser systems

Glass micromachining

Experimental development

Analytical, problem solving

Education

Degree/MSc/PhD in Physics/Photonic/ Optical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Laser Engineer - Ultrafast Processing Oxfordshire Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits

A rare opportunity to join a highly regarded laser technology business developing advanced ultrafast laser micromachining and microprocessing techniques for glass, photonic components and other advanced materials.

Working within a dedicated R&D team, you will develop, test and validate manufacturing processes using state-of-the-old femtosecond laser systems. Projects range from customer-funded development work through to longer-term technology programmes focused on expanding what is possible with ultrafast laser processing.

This is a genuinely hands-on engineering role. You'll spend your time designing experiments, developing manufacturing processes, analysing results and solving difficult technical challenges rather than managing suppliers or attending endless meetings.

The work sits at the point where advanced laser physics becomes practical manufacturing technology, making it an excellent opportunity for somebody who enjoys both experimental development and real-world engineering.

What You’ll Be Working On

• This is a genuinely hands-on development role working with state-of-the-art femtosecond and ultrafast laser systems. The focus is on developing and optimising manufacturing processes for glass, photonic components and other advanced materials.

• Typical activities will include:
• Developing and optimising ultrafast laser processing techniques.
• Glass micromachining, glass microwelding and through-glass via drilling.
• Transparent materials processing and evaluation of new manufacturing techniques.
• Designing and executing experimental investigations.
• Supporting optical system integration and testing.
• Analysing results and solving complex technical challenges.
• Working closely with scientists and engineers to develop new manufacturing capabilities

Requirements

• This role is focused on the development of glass processing applications using ultrafast laser systems.

• A degree, MSc or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Practical experience working with ultrafast laser systems, including femtosecond or picosecond lasers.
• Practical experience developing ultrafast laser micromachining or microprocessing techniques for glass, including areas such as through-glass via drilling (TGV), glass microwelding, in-volume processing, waveguide writing, zero-kerf cutting, Bessel beam processing or related applications.
• Experience processing glass, transparent materials or other advanced materials using laser systems.
• Experience developing, optimising and validating laser manufacturing processes. Experience planning and conducting experimental development programmes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to take technical concepts from idea through to a validated manufacturing process.

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Optical design, alignment, non-linear optics or beam shaping.
• Motion control systems, galvo scanning systems or machine vision.
• Laser characterisation, metrology, SEM or advanced microscopy techniques.
• Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar technical programming experience.

Typical Backgrounds

This role may suit somebody currently working as: Laser Process Engineer, Laser Applications Engineer, Laser Micromachining Engineer, Laser Manufacturing Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Photonics Engineer, Ultrafast Laser Engineer, Laser R&D Engineer, Research Scientist (Laser Processing) or similar.