Senior Laser Engineer: Encoding & Readout Systems Lead

PolaOptix Technologies; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PolaOptix Technologies in Oxford is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to design, develop and optimise an integrated laser-based system for encoding and reading information. You will apply class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser operation, precision optics and automation software to advance a next‑generation security platform.

You will lead a small interdisciplinary team, develop calibration procedures, document results and contribute to IP development while maintaining rigorous safety standards and

Qualifications

• Degree in Optics, Physics, Photonics Engineering, Laser Engineering or related discipline (PhD level).
• Hands-on experience with class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed lasers and laser optics.
• Programmable spatial light modulators and light shaping techniques.
• Experience building and aligning complex optical setups on optical tables.
• Experience with experimental automation programming (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C++).
• Strong data analysis and visualization skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement optical setup for encoding and retrieval of information using laser writing.
• Develop and characterise laser writing in a range of materials using nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (266/532/1064 nm).
• Lead a small team to build and align free-space optical systems (lenses, waveplates, galvo mirrors, beam splitters).
• Create algorithms and control software for spatial light modulators and laser triggering.
• Develop calibration procedures for optical components and detectors.
• Perform experiments to measure laser-written signatures, contrast and stability.
• Document designs, results, safety protocols and build procedures.
• Contribute to IP development, patent drafts and design reviews.

Skills

Nd:YAG lasers

Spatial light modulators

Optical design

Optical alignment

Programming for automation

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Optics/Physics/Photonic Engineering/Laser Engineering

Tools

Zemax

Lumerical

Code V

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Python

C++

Job description

PolaOptix Technologies in Oxford is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to design, develop and optimise an integrated laser-based system for encoding and reading information. You will apply class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser operation, precision optics and automation software to advance a next‑generation security platform.

You will lead a small interdisciplinary team, develop calibration procedures, document results and contribute to IP development while maintaining rigorous safety standards and