Systems Energy - High Power Laser

Matchtech Group; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Paid overtime

Flexible leave

Flexible working

Parental leave

Site facilities

Healthcare

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer to support the development and deployment of a pioneering naval defence system. The role sits at the intersection of laser physics, optics and systems engineering, turning prototype technology into a rugged, deployable air defence capability.

The position involves hybrid working with three days on site, and eligibility requires British citizenship or dual UK nationals with citizenship.

Qualifications

• PhD or significant industry experience in laser technology at system level.
• Strong understanding of laser physics and optics.
• Experience in data analysis, system performance assessment and problem solving.
• Knowledge of systems integration and requirements engineering.
• Ability to conduct capability trades and optimise complex designs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in defence or mission-critical systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Translate laser and optics technology into a practical, certifiable weapon System.
• Define, refine and manage system requirements through the development lifecycle.
• Analyse performance data and conduct capability assessments and trades.
• Support integration of laser, optical and weapon components.
• Contribute to design verification, certification and final integration.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and stakeholders across the programme.
• Communicate complex laser concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges to deliver a high‑quality system.

Skills

Laser physics

Data analysis

Systems integration

Requirements engineering

Technical communication

Problem solving

Defence systems experience

Education

PhD in laser physics or related field

Tools

High‑power laser systems

System integration tools

Job description

Our client is seeking a Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer to support the development and deployment of a pioneering naval defence system. This permanent role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of laser physics, optics and systems engineering, helping to transform advanced prototype technology into a rugged, reliable and deployable air defence capability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translating laser and optics technology into practical, reliable and certifiable weapon system capability
• Defining, refining and managing system requirements throughout the development lifecycle
• Analysing system performance data and conducting capability assessments and engineering trades
• Supporting the integration of laser, optical and wider weapon system components
• Contributing to design verification, certification and final system integration activities
• Working closely with specialist scientists, engineers and stakeholders across the defence programme
• Communicating complex laser physics and optics concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Identifying and resolving technical challenges to support the delivery of a high-quality mission-critical system

Job Requirements:

• PhD or significant industry experience in laser technology at system level, ideally involving high-power lasers
• Strong understanding of laser physics and optics
• Experience in data analysis, system performance assessment and technical problem-solving
• Knowledge of systems integration and requirements engineering
• Ability to conduct system capability trades and optimise complex product designs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts at all levels
• Persistent, driven and passionate approach to engineering and problem-solving
• Experience in defence or the development of complex, mission-critical systems would be advantageous

Working Arrangements and Security:

The role involves hybrid working, with three days per week on site due to the classification and workload of the programme. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be British citizens or dual UK nationals with British citizenship. Nationality and right-to-work restrictions may apply, and successful applicants will be required to complete HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks after offer stage.

Benefits:

• Employer pension contributions as part of a comprehensive pension scheme
• Opportunity for paid overtime
• Up to 15 additional days through a flexible leave arrangement
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental, paternity and neonatal leave provisions
• Access to site facilities, including subsidised meals and free car parking
• Healthcare Cash Plan covering areas such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing