Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Laser Technology R&D Engineer

Hedge End
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

This key role will propel the next generation of fiber lasers to new heights. It’s an exciting opportunity to join a leading organisation in laser technology, working on the development of high-power fiber laser systems for cutting-edge industrial and scientific applications.

As a Laser Technology Engineer, you’ll be part of a highly skilled team working on the build, testing, and optimisation of high-power continuous-wave (CW) fiber lasers. This role is open to individuals with a Ph.D. in Physics and experience working with lasers, or to physicists with strong hands-on laboratory experience.

This is a practical, experimental position ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with optical components and laser systems.
You’ll take ownership of the full testing process - from assembly and fiber splicing through to data analysis - helping to advance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of complex laser systems.

You’ll bring a strong background in physics, optics, or photonics, with the ability to apply that knowledge in a lab environment. Additionally, you will have a background in Physics, Photonics or Optics with an inquisitive mind and practical approach.

Experience with fiber lasers, optical systems, or laser test setups would be highly valued, alongside practical familiarity with instruments such as power meters and thermal cameras. Programming experience (e.g. Python) is beneficial but not essential.

You’ll be detail-driven, safety-conscious, and excited by the challenge of translating advanced physics into practical, working technology.

Why Apply

This role offers the chance to:

Work with cutting-edge high-power laser systems.
Collaborate with experts across physics, optics, and engineering disciplines.
Receive strong support for technical and professional development.
Contribute to the next generation of fiber laser innovation. 
This role is looking for:

A PhD or Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related discipline
Understanding of optical systems and laser testing.
Experience with high-power fibre lasers is preferable but not essential

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Product Engineer - Laser/Optics Systems

Chief Executive Officer - Photonic Integrated Circuits

Quantum Control Engineer

Quantum Control Engineer

Senior Principal III-V Photonics Engineer

Senior Principal III-V Photonics Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Quantum Computing Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK quantum computing hiring has shifted from credential‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation. Employers now value provable contributions across the stack—algorithms & applications, compilation & optimisation, circuit synthesis, control & calibration, hardware characterisation, error mitigation/correction (QEM/QEC), verification/benchmarking, and hybrid HPC/quantum workflows—plus the ability to communicate trade‑offs, costs and feasibility to non‑quantum teams. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews and how to prepare—especially for quantum algorithm engineers, quantum software/compilers, experimentalists, quantum control & firmware, cryo/readout engineers, quantum error correction researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, and quantum‑adjacent product managers. Who this is for: Quantum algorithm/applications engineers, compiler/optimisation engineers, control/firmware engineers, experimental physicists & hardware engineers (superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, spin/neutral atom), cryogenics & RF/microwave, QEC researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, quantum‑HPC orchestration engineers, and product/BD roles in the UK quantum ecosystem.

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.