Laser Engineer - Ultrafast Processing

Laser Engineer - Ultrafast Processing Oxfordshire Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits

A rare opportunity to join a highly regarded laser technology business developing advanced ultrafast laser micromachining and microprocessing techniques for glass, photonic components and other advanced materials.

Working within a dedicated R&D team, you will develop, test and validate manufacturing processes using state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems. Projects range from customer-funded development work through to longer-term technology programmes focused on expanding what is possible with ultrafast laser processing.

This is a genuinely hands-on engineering role. You'll spend your time designing experiments, developing manufacturing processes, analysing results and solving difficult technical challenges rather than managing suppliers or attending endless meetings.

The work sits at the point where advanced laser physics becomes practical manufacturing technology, making it an excellent opportunity for somebody who enjoys both experimental development and real-world engineering.

What You'll Be Working On

This is a genuinely hands-on development role working with state-of-the-art femtosecond and ultrafast laser systems. The focus is on developing and optimising manufacturing processes for glass, photonic components and other advanced materials.

Typical activities will include:

Developing and optimising ultrafast laser processing techniques. Glass micromachining, glass microwelding and through-glass via drilling. Transparent materials processing and evaluation of new manufacturing techniques. Designing and executing experimental investigations. Supporting optical system integration and testing. Analysing results and solving complex technical challenges. Working closely with scientists and engineers to develop new manufacturing capabilities

Requirements

This role is focused on the development of glass processing applications using ultrafast laser systems.

A degree, MSc or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related discipline. Practical experience working with ultrafast laser systems, including femtosecond or picosecond lasers. Practical experience developing ultrafast laser micromachining or microprocessing techniques for glass, including areas such as through-glass via drilling (TGV), glass microwelding, in-volume processing, waveguide writing, zero-kerf cutting, Bessel beam processing or related applications. Experience processing glass, transparent materials or other advanced materials using laser systems. Experience developing, optimising and validating laser manufacturing processes. Experience planning and conducting experimental development programmes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to take technical concepts from idea through to a validated manufacturing process. Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

Optical design, alignment, non-linear optics or beam shaping. Motion control systems, galvo scanning systems or machine vision. Laser characterisation, metrology, SEM or advanced microscopy techniques. Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar technical programming experience. Typical Backgrounds This role may suit somebody currently working as: Laser Process Engineer, Laser Applications Engineer

Laser Micromachining Engineer, Laser Manufacturing Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Photonics Engineer, Ultrafast Laser Engineer, Laser R&D Engineer, Research Scientist (Laser Processing) or similar. Interest? If so, get in contact with Adam Mayne at Vector Recruitment Ltd on (phone number removed) or (url removed)