R&D Engineer

Steneg & Partners; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 80.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Steneg & Partners' client in Edinburgh seeks a Senior R&D Engineer to lead development of advanced laser systems and photonic technologies for industrial applications. You will drive experimental research, prototype design, testing, and validation from concept to manufacturable solutions.

You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across optics, electronics, firmware, mechanical engineering and software to deliver high-performance diode-pumped solid-state laser technologies for

Qualifikationen

• Academic qualification or equivalent experience in Optics, Photonics, Laser Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in research and development involving optical systems, photonic technologies, lasers, or optoelectronic components.
• Practical experience designing, building, testing, and validating experimental setups, proof-of-concept demonstrators, or engineering prototypes.
• Proficiency with electronic and optoelectronic laboratory instrumentation, measurement equipment, and associated control software.
• Experience analysing experimental data and processing technical results using tools such as Python, Excel, or equivalent engineering software.
• Strong organisational and project execution skills, with the ability to manage several technical activities and deliver results within defined deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear technical documentation.

Aufgaben

• Lead and contribute to R&D projects involving the design, development, and evaluation of new laser-based technologies, optical systems, and photonic components.
• Translate early-stage technical concepts into practical proof-of-concept demonstrators, experimental setups, and functional prototypes.
• Design and execute experimental activities to investigate system performance, validate technical feasibility, and identify opportunities for further technology development.
• Take technical ownership of assigned R&D projects and work packages, coordinating development activities to meet defined objectives, milestones, and deadlines.
• Collaborate with specialists in optics, electronics, firmware, mechanical engineering, and software to integrate and validate complex laser-based systems.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, experimental results, and project documentation for internal teams, customers, and external funding stakeholders.

Kenntnisse

Lab instrumentation

Data analysis

Python/engineering software

Project execution

Technical documentation

Communication

Problem solving

Ausbildung

Optics/Photonics degree

R&D experience

Tools

C++

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Measurement tools

Jobbeschreibung

Our client is a technology-oriented company developing advanced laser systems and photonic technologies for high-precision manufacturing and industrial applications. The organisation specialises in the research, design, and development of solid-state laser technologies, supporting applications across semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, quantum technologies, and other high-performance industrial markets.

Its activities rely on close collaboration between multidisciplinary engineering teams covering optics, electronics, firmware, mechanical engineering, and software, with a strong emphasis on experimental development, technical innovation, and product performance. Operating within a specialised, innovation-driven environment, the company combines early-stage research with practical engineering and product development, offering professionals the opportunity to transform emerging technologies into functional prototypes and commercially viable laser systems.

Mission

The Senior R&D Engineer will be responsible for leading and executing research and development projects focused on advanced laser systems, photonic technologies, and optoelectronic products. The role combines experimental research with hands-on engineering, taking new technologies from initial concepts and proof-of-concept demonstrations through prototype design, testing, validation, and product development. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, the position will contribute to the development of innovative diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser solutions for demanding industrial and high-technology applications.

Our client is a technology-oriented company developing advanced laser systems and photonic technologies for high-precision manufacturing and industrial applications. The organisation specialises in the research, design, and development of solid-state laser technologies, supporting applications across semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, quantum technologies, and other high-performance industrial markets.

Its activities rely on close collaboration between multidisciplinary engineering teams covering optics, electronics, firmware, mechanical engineering, and software, with a strong emphasis on experimental development, technical innovation, and product performance. Operating within a specialised, innovation-driven environment, the company combines early-stage research with practical engineering and product development, offering professionals the opportunity to transform emerging technologies into functional prototypes and commercially viable laser systems.

Mission

The Senior R&D Engineer will be responsible for leading and executing research and development projects focused on advanced laser systems, photonic technologies, and optoelectronic products. The role combines experimental research with hands‑on engineering, taking new technologies from initial concepts and proof‑of‑concept demonstrations through prototype design, testing, validation, and product development. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, the position will contribute to the development of innovative diode‑pumped solid‑state (DPSS) laser solutions for demanding industrial and high‑technology applications.

Responsibilities

Research, Concept Development and Prototyping

• Lead and contribute to R&D projects involving the design, development, and evaluation of new laser-based technologies, optical systems, and photonic components.

• Translate early-stage technical concepts into practical proof-of-concept demonstrators, experimental setups, and functional prototypes.

• Design and execute experimental activities to investigate system performance, validate technical feasibility, and identify opportunities for further technology development.

Optical Engineering, Testing and Validation

• Develop and implement testing methodologies for laser systems, optical assemblies, and optoelectronic components using appropriate laboratory instrumentation.

• Perform experimental measurements, characterise optical and electronic performance, and analyse test results using engineering software and data analysis tools.

• Investigate technical issues, optimise experimental configurations, and support improvements in system functionality, reliability, and performance.

Project Execution and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Take technical ownership of assigned R&D projects and work packages, coordinating development activities to meet defined objectives, milestones, and deadlines.

• Collaborate with specialists in optics, electronics, firmware, mechanical engineering, and software to integrate and validate complex laser-based systems.

• Support the transition from experimental prototypes towards manufacturable products, considering design feasibility, technical risks, testing requirements, and engineering documentation.

Technical Documentation and Technology Development

• Prepare detailed technical reports, experimental results, and project documentation for internal teams, customers, and external funding stakeholders.

• Contribute to the evaluation of emerging laser technologies, experimental techniques, and potential applications within semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, and quantum technologies.

• Support technical reviews, feasibility assessments, and development activities aimed at converting research outcomes into high-value optoelectronic products.

Required Qualifications

• Academic qualification or equivalent professional experience in Optics, Photonics, Laser Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.

• Demonstrable experience in research and development involving optical systems, photonic technologies, lasers, or optoelectronic components.

• Practical experience designing, building, testing, and validating experimental setups, proof-of-concept demonstrators, or engineering prototypes.

• Proficiency with electronic and optoelectronic laboratory instrumentation, measurement equipment, and associated control software.

• Experience analysing experimental data and processing technical results using tools such as Python, Excel, or equivalent engineering software.

• Strong organisational and project execution skills, with the ability to manage several technical activities and deliver results within defined deadlines.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear technical documentation.

Preferred Experience

• Experience designing, developing, or manufacturing diode-pumped solid-state lasers, precision laser systems, or other high-value optoelectronic products.

• Working knowledge of mechanical and optomechanical design, firmware development using C++, embedded systems testing, or integration of multidisciplinary engineering systems.

• Experience working in small technology companies, start-up environments, or collaborative R&D teams developing complex, low-volume products.

• Familiarity with cleanroom environments, semiconductor manufacturing applications, or advanced photonics and quantum technology markets.

• Location:Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
• Job Type:On Site
• Sector:Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Discipline:Engineering
• Advert Date:28/10/2026