Lead Reliability Engineer

Solutions Driven; Paignton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative laser systems in the UK is seeking an experienced Lead Reliability Engineer to enhance the reliability of 980nm pump laser products. This role involves rigorous testing, failure analysis, and collaboration with engineering teams to ensure product robustness. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have demonstrable experience in laser reliability and problem-solving skills, contributing to innovative projects and ensuring quality in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in laser diode reliability, photonics, or semiconductor device reliability.
• Deep understanding of laser physics, especially in relation to pump lasers.
• Experience with reliability prediction tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop qualification plans in accordance with Telcordia GR‑468.
• Establish reliability models for new product generations.
• Monitor ongoing life tests and detect issues promptly.
• Liaise with manufacturing teams for root cause analysis.
• Document findings in detailed reliability reports.

Skills

Laser diode reliability

Statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab)

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science

Job description

A leading provider of innovative laser systems to help people in various global markets, including renewables, microelectronics, research, life science, automotive, and medicine.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Reliability Engineer to support the development, qualification, and long‑term reliability of 980nm pump laser products. The role focuses on ensuring product robustness through rigorous testing, failure analysis, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Work with product engineers to develop qualification plans in accordance with Telcordia GR‑468 and other applicable standards.
• Work with chip team to establish reliability models for new generations of products, including defining stress cells at CoC and at module.
• Monitor ongoing life test and reliability test (ORT) activities to detect issues in a timely manner.
• Liaise with chip and module manufacturing teams to learn lessons from root cause analysis (RCA) of field and qualification test failures.
• Ensure corrective actions are fed into new product generations.
• Monitor reliability aspects of manufacturing and RMA performance.
• Maintain tracking systems for ongoing reliability metrics.
• Document findings in detailed reliability reports and present results to stakeholders and customers.
• Establish and maintain prime interactions with customers on significant reliability issues and drive corrective actions within the global team.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Demonstrable experience in laser diode reliability, photonics, or semiconductor device reliability.
• Deep understanding of laser physics, especially in relation to pump lasers.
• Experience with reliability prediction tools and statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab).
• Strong problem‑solving skills and hands‑on experience with FA techniques.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with hermetic, fibre‑coupled laser packaging.
• Knowledge of failure modes in InGaAs / AlGaAs‑based laser structures.
• Experience with reliability assurance in high‑volume manufacturing environments.