Laser & Optical Engineers (Senior & Principal)

Help Shape the Future of High-Energy Laser Technology

This is an exciting time to join QinetiQ.

Package: Competitive + Benefits

Following our £20 million investment in HELENA™, our next-generation high-energy laser source technology, we're expanding our Laser & Optical Engineering capability across our Farnborough and Malvern sites. This investment is increasing our research, development and manufacturing capacity, supporting future Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) programmes for the UK and allied nations.

We're looking for experienced engineers who are passionate about turning cutting-edge technology into real-world capabilities. If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and taking products from concept and design through manufacture, integration and deployment, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

As part of our Laser & Optical Engineering teams, you'll work on pioneering laser technologies that support the future of UK defence and national security.

Working within multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, you'll help develop and mature advanced laser and optical systems across the full product lifecycle. From early concept development through design, manufacture, integration, qualification and customer delivery, you'll play a key role in transforming innovative ideas into deployable capability.

Whether your expertise is in laser engineering, optics, photonics, systems engineering or product development, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on some of the UK's most advanced engineering programmes.

Senior & Principal Opportunities

As a Senior or Principal Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership across strategically important programmes, helping shape the future of QinetiQ's Laser Directed Energy capability.

You'll:

• Lead the design, integration and technical delivery of complex laser and optical systems.
• Drive product maturity from development through to manufacture and qualification.
• Shape technology and product roadmaps, influencing future capability.
• Build trusted relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop engineers, strengthening technical capability across the business.
• Champion engineering excellence and support the successful delivery of critical programmes.

At QinetiQ we recognise engineers who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, innovation and leadership, providing a clear pathway for those who wish to progress as recognised technical specialists.

We're Looking For

We're particularly interested in engineers with experience developing complex products and systems, taking them beyond research and development into manufacture or operational deployment.

You'll likely have experience in some of the following:

• Laser Engineering
• Optical Engineering
• Photonics or Electro-Optics
• Optical System Design
• Product Design & Development
• Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Production Engineering
• Systems Integration, Verification & Qualification
• Optical Modelling and Simulation
• Beam Control
• Experimental Optics
• Systems Engineering

Experience within defence is welcome but not essential. We also welcome applications from sectors such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devices and industrial photonics, where you've designed and delivered technically complex products.

Why QinetiQ?

Joining QinetiQ means becoming part of a community of world-class scientists, engineers and technologists solving some of the UK's most complex engineering challenges.

In return, you'll benefit from:

• The opportunity to work on nationally significant programmes with real operational impact.
• Access to unique facilities, specialist equipment and multidisciplinary expertise.
• A collaborative environment where innovation and technical excellence are valued.
• Ongoing professional development, mentoring and support towards professional registration.
• Clear technical career pathways, including progression through our Fellowship Scheme.

If you're looking for a role where you can influence the future of high-energy laser technology and see your work make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (

Our Recruitment Process:

At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing One of our recruitment team will contact you.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Our Benefits:

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

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