Laser & Optical Scientist/Engineer (Intermediate to Principal level)

Thomas Search; Malvern; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Search is recruiting for a Laser & Optical Scientist/Engineer (Intermediate to Principal) to join our client’s teams at Farnborough or Malvern. You will advance research into next generation laser and optical technologies, contributing to defence and commercial solutions across the full product lifecycle.

You'll design, develop, and mature electro-optical subsystems; apply systems engineering; support integration, verification, and qualification; build experimental systems; and contribute

Qualifications

• PhD/MSc in Laser Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in laser and photonics research or development.
• Must be eligible for high-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and mature electro-optical subsystems.
• Apply systems engineering across the delivery lifecycle.
• Support product development, integration, verification and qualification.
• Build and operate experimental and prototype systems.
• Assist in manufacturing introduction of products.
• Contribute to technical strategy and innovation roadmaps.
• Support bids and proposals with technical input.

Skills

Electro-optical design

Optomechanical design

Systems engineering

Prototype development

Experimentation

Education

PhD or MSc in Laser Physics / Optical Engineering

Job description

Laser & Optical Scientist/Engineer (Intermediate to Principal level)

Farnborough, Hampshire, or Malvern, Worcestershire.

Salary & Benefits Highly Competitive.

We are delighted to be recruiting for a selection of Laser & Optical engineering staff at our client's sites in Farnborough, Hampshire, and Malvern, Worcestershire. You\'ll play a vital role in advancing research into next-generation laser and optical technologies, directly contributing to the development and production of innovative defence and commercial solutions.

Work examples include the UK\'s Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) programmes, among other world-leading photonics-based capabilities.

You\'ll get to work across the full product lifecycle - following a gate stage approach from early-stage research and prototypes through to integrated, qualified, and field-deployable systems.

• Design, develop, and mature electro-optical and optomechanical subsystems.
• Apply systems engineering principles across the delivery lifecycle.
• Support product development, integration, verification, and qualification activities.
• Build and operate experimental and prototype systems.
• Support the introduction of product into manufacturing.
• Contribute to technical strategy and innovation roadmaps.
• Support business growth through technical inputs to bids and proposals.

Essential qualifications for the Senior Laser Scientist:
PhD/MSc and experience in a relevant field (e.g. Laser Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline)

Please note that all applicants for these roles must be eligible to obtain a high level of security clearance