Senior Laser Scientist
9 days ago
Farnborough
Job Title: Senior Laser Scientist Location: Farnborough Salary: £Competitive + benefits Key Skills: Optics, Laser, Engineering, Optical Systems, Modelling, Testing, Zemax, MATLAB, Kilowatt, Design, Engineering I am currently looking for a Senior Laser Scientist to join a cutting-edge research team developing next-generation laser and optical technologies. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to highly innovative defence and commercial programmes, working at the forefront of high-energy laser (HEL) and advanced optical system development. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of physicists and engineers, taking ownership of key work packages and helping shape future laser capability within a growing and strategically important area. The Role As a Senior Laser Scientist, you will: • Lead and plan technical activities across complex laser and optical projects, • Design, develop, and deploy advanced optical systems, • Deliver work packages focused on high-energy laser development, testing, and evaluation, • Analyse system performance and evaluate optical designs to ensure technical excellence, • Collaborate with subject matter experts across multiple sites, • Engage with internal and external stakeholders to define and interpret technical requirements, • Contribute to technical strategy and innovation within the organisation, • Support laboratory experiments, system integration, and UK-based trials, • Provide mentoring and technical guidance as the team expands What We’re Looking For Essential Experience: • Strong background in laser and optical physics, with hands-on optical design experience, • Knowledge of material and coating selection for optical systems, • Experience applying machine learning (e.g. CNNs) to optical systems, particularly coherent beam combination, • Experienced in the use of Zemax, • Practical understanding of beam combination techniques within advanced laser systems, • Proven experience planning and delivering complex technical projects using systems engineering principles, • Ability to engage stakeholders and translate complex requirements into technical solutions, • Solid understanding of laser safety standards and practices, • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams Qualifications: • PhD (or equivalent experience) in Laser Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline Why Join? • Work on cutting-edge laser technologies with real-world impact, • Be part of a highly skilled, collaborative R&D environment, • Influence the development of future defence and advanced optical systems, • Opportunities for technical leadership, mentoring, and career progression, • Access to advanced labs, trials, and innovation programmes If you are passionate about laser physics, optical systems, and pushing the boundaries of technology, this is your chance to make a real impact. Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy