Senior Photonics Solutions R&D Engineer

Role overview Lead the development of application-focused photonics systems using semiconductor laser technology. The work spans experimental research, product development, and customer collaboration, translating demanding scientific and commercial needs into practical solutions for areas such as quantum sensing, spectroscopy, metrology, and life sciences. The position is remote within the UK and includes regular travel across the UK and Europe, with occasional international travel.

Responsibilities - Design, build, and evaluate systems and demonstrations using semiconductor lasers, amplifiers, and optical gain devices. - Develop laboratory setups, prototypes, control systems, and proof-of-concept applications. - Plan and conduct experiments to assess laser characteristics, stability, optical output, beam quality, noise, and reliability. - Work with customers and research partners to define system requirements and recommend suitable configurations. - Troubleshoot laser, optical, electronic, and system integration problems, and support evaluations, qualification, and product launches. - Turn customer and market needs into product specifications and priorities; share findings through technical reports, presentations, and application materials.

Requirements - Advanced degree in physics, photonics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. - Significant professional experience in photonics, laser development, optical systems, or applied R&D. - Strong practical skills in designing, assembling, aligning, and testing laser and optical systems. - Working knowledge of semiconductor lasers, preferably including DBR, DFB, external-cavity, or tapered-amplifier systems. - Experience with laser measurement equipment and methods, such as spectrum analysers, wavelength meters, interferometers, beam profilers, and power or noise measurements. - Ability to lead complex technical projects, solve experimental problems, document results, and explain technical concepts to scientific and commercial audiences. - Must live in the UK and have the legal right to work there.

Nice to have - A PhD in a relevant discipline. - Experience with narrow-linewidth or single-frequency lasers, or funded research and joint development collaborations. - Familiarity with quantum technologies, precision metrology, spectroscopy, sensing, or adjacent photonics fields.

Benefits and work setup - UK-based remote work, with regular UK and European travel and occasional international travel. - Senior technical ownership, opportunities to shape product direction, and collaboration with researchers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.