Photonics Summer Placement: Hands-on Optical Design

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-funded benefits

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd invites undergraduate students to join its Photonics Summer Placement within the Advanced Targeting line in Edinburgh. You will support the design and development of world and electro-optic products under experienced Optical Engineers.

The 13‑week placement runs 1 June 2027 to 27 August 2027. You will work on real projects across the development lifecycle, gain hands‑on experience, and may be considered for future placements or graduate opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree level in Physics or related field.
• Photonic lab experience, internships or placements.
• Experience with technical writing and project planning.
• Strong analytical and laboratory skills.
• Proven ability to work in a team.
• Enthusiasm for photonics and skill development.
• Experience with Zemax, MATLAB, LabVIEW, COMSOL desirable.
• Penultimate year preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to laser/optical design and lens design.
• Model performance, tolerancing and finite element modelling.
• Hands-on lab work with solid-state lasers or fibre optics.
• Verification testing and problem solving in assemblies.
• Receive training and develop wider business knowledge.
• Apply technical and soft skills gained from your degree.

Education

Master’s degree in Physics or related field

Tools

Zemax Optics Studio

MATLAB

LabVIEW

COMSOL

Job description

Leonardo UK Ltd invites undergraduate students to join its Photonics Summer Placement within the Advanced Targeting line in Edinburgh. You will support the design and development of world and electro-optic products under experienced Optical Engineers.

The 13‑week placement runs 1 June 2027 to 27 August 2027. You will work on real projects across the development lifecycle, gain hands‑on experience, and may be considered for future placements or graduate opportunities.