System Engineer

Innovate Recruitment Ltd; Yate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology organization in the UK seeks a Laser Systems Engineer to contribute to the development of advanced laser weapon systems. Applicants should hold doctoral-level qualifications or equivalent experience in laser technology development, as well as strong communication skills. This role involves significant stakeholder engagement and is based on a hybrid working model with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes. Familiarity with systems engineering tools like DOORS is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience in laser technology development at the system level.
• Ability to communicate complex laser and optical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience translating functional needs into structured system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of cutting-edge laser weapon systems.
• Work across systems engineering disciplines, including requirements definition and design.
• Support the rapid maturation of an advanced defence technology.

Skills

Laser technology development

Laser physics knowledge

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Ability to explain complex concepts

Education

Doctoral-level qualifications or equivalent

Tools

DOORS

Rhapsody

Job description

Laser Systems Engineer

Defence

Role Overview

Are you seeking an opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced technology, contributing to a ground-breaking capability of significant strategic and national relevance? A leading UK-based defence technology organisation is expanding its team and is inviting applications from highly capable individuals to support a pioneering programme.

Working pattern: Hybrid approach, with approximately three days per week on-site due to the classified nature of the work.

Security requirements: Applicants must hold British citizenship (dual nationality acceptable where British citizenship is held).

Please note that nationality restrictions and right-to-work conditions may apply. All successful applicants will be required to complete UK government baseline security vetting (BPSS) following an offer of employment, administered by the organisation's internal security function.

Programme Context

Following the award of a major defence contract, the organisation is delivering the UK’s first operational laser‑based directed energy weapon system for deployment on naval platforms within the next two years.

Building on this milestone, the team is continuing the evolution of this capability into a fully deployable, world‑class air defence solution. The programme involves multiple concurrent development streams spanning experimental research, advanced engineering, and rapid system maturation. This creates opportunities to work across core systems engineering disciplines, including requirements definition, design development, performance modelling, verification, and certification.

Candidate Profile

• Doctoral‑level qualifications or equivalent industrial experience in laser technology development at system level
• Deep knowledge of laser physics and optical systems, with the capability to shape and influence advanced system designs
• Strong communication skills, enabling effective technical dialogue across a wide range of stakeholders
• Proven experience explaining complex laser and optical concepts to audiences ranging from senior leadership and subject matter experts to systems engineers and non‑technical partners
• Ability to build and sustain productive working relationships with customers, collaborators, and internal teams
• A problem‑solving mindset, resilience in the face of technical challenges, and a strong focus on delivering high‑quality outcomes

Desirable Experience

• High‑power laser systems or related technologies
• Requirements capture, specification development, and technical justification
• System validation, assurance, and certification activities
• Development of complex engineered systems, preferably within a defence or safety‑critical context
• Translating functional needs into structured system, subsystem, and equipment‑level requirements
• Familiarity with systems engineering and architecture tools such as DOORS, DOORS NG, or Rhapsody