Job Description

Laser Applications Development Engineer- Experience in laser processing and especially glass processing

We are looking for a highly skilled and hands-on engineer or scientist to join our R&D team. In this varied role you will be developing advanced laser micromachining processes and related hardware. You will be expected to work with our state-of-the-art DPSS laser systems, including ultrafast, using all common industrial laser wavelengths (from UV to mid-IR) together with advanced motion control and beam scanning systems. You may need to develop and validate integrated beam delivery/control/instrumentation and metrology subsystems aimed at next generation laser micro-processing.

Examples may include beam shaping with tailored light, high-speed opticalscanning devices, advanced motion control with CNC servo axes, advanced image processing or other diagnostics. Central to this role will be development of advanced laser processing techniques around glass technology. Ideally, you will have experience of working with Lasers/Optics or other photonics/electro-optics subsystems within a photonics OEM component manufacturer, laser manufacturer or laser system integrator environment. The position reports to the Senior Manager-Technology and is supported by a busy team of highly motivated development engineers.

The role will suit a graduate or experienced engineer who is keen to develop a career in hi-tech industry. It may also involve some international travel.

Developing laser process techniques for specific applications and customer requirements

Experience in laser processing and especially glass processing which is what we are looking for

Contributing to R&D projects targeted at commercially valuable applications

Design, development, integration and validation of electro/optomechanical component prototypes and other photonics modules to be used in our laser processing product range
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Supporting the design, development and manufacture of customised laser technology systems, particularly during the integration and test phases of this process
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Communicating succinctly new research findings to raise awareness within the company, to our customers and project partners, presenting such results to a wider audience as well as promoting the company directly to potential customers, international conference and exhibitions
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Supporting the sales/marketing team with technical advice and helping as required in face-to-face meetings with customers
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To work in accordance with safety procedures detailed within the Health and Safety manual, taking care to avoid injury to themselves and others at work
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Working to the highest professional standards both in house and at customers sites
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To work on other applications or be deployed to other parts of the business as needs dictate

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BSc degree or higher in Lasers/ Optical Engineering, Physics, Engineering or similar qualification plus equivalent practical experience. A laser related postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD) would be an advantage.
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Practical experience with laser applications development, especially ultrafast laser micromachining, GHz/MHz burst pulse processing or transparent material laser microprocessing (glass-glass and glass-metal microwelding, through glass vias, high aspect ratio zero kerf cutting/microdrilling, milling, in-volume marking) is advantageous.
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Knowledge in some of the following
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Precision laser micromachining
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High-speed, high power laser processing with fibre or other DPSS lasers including ultrafast

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Optical systems design, ray tracing analysis (ZEMAX or equivalent), alignment, machine vision for OEM integration
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Tailored beam delivery including non-linear optics, adaptive optics, spatial light modulation, diffractionless beams, other beam shaping technologies
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Laser beam characterisation
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Wet laboratory techniques including chemical etching of glass
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Laser glass microwelding characterisation (shear/vibration/hermeticity testing, thermal cycling)
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Motion control hardware integration e.g. CNC tables, controllers, amplifiers, motors
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Galvanometer or other optical scanners
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Machine control software programming e.g. G-code, Aerotech Automation-1, CADCAM postprocessing
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Proficiency in various programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, Python, R
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Image processing
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Statistical data analysis
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Experience with CAD mechanical design preferred
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Integration and test of complex laser systems
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Metrology, optical or confocal microscopes, SEMs, OCT, etc
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Excellent oral communication, technical writing and presentation skills desirable
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Experience in project management
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Ability to multi-task and superb time-management skills
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Industrial experience preferred, ideally in the field of laser or laser systems


You should readily take ownership of their tasks and complete them with their very best endeavours and to the best of their ability.

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and to manage own workload to meet each individual task in good time.

Should fit comfortably in a very technical environment with a highly qualified and experienced staff.

Should enjoy working in an SME organisation where he/she has a considerable level of responsibility, but also needs to perform basic tasks on occasion. Willingness to support other aspects of the business or deliver other tasks as the company may require.

Ability to work with minimum supervision

Ability to solve problems innovatively and under time pressure

A can do" attitude

Ability to work to strict deadlines either individually or as part of a team

Our client is a privately owned, well-established laser technology company with more than 46 years history. It is a stimulating environment and work internationally with a diverse range of customers and applications at the leading-edge of our technology areas