Laser Applications Development Engineer

Oxford Lasers Ltd is a high technology company founded in 1977 as a spin-out from Oxford University and headquartered in Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. We design and manufacture integrated laser systems, provide subcontract laser micromachining services, have a robust research and development (R&D) division and carry out after sales services to a global customer base from both academia and industry.

Our systems span laser micromachining and high-speed imaging. They enable ultra‑high precision cutting, drilling and other microprocessing applications in advanced manufacturing industries, as well as the imaging, measurement and analysis of fast‑moving particles and sprays for industrial applications. We combine long‑standing expertise with active R&D to develop world‑leading laser technologies and techniques.

Oxford Lasers is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

We are looking for a hands‑on engineer or scientist to join our R&D team focused on femtosecond laser micromachining. You will work on process development projects funded internally, by government grants or by customers with timescales from a few weeks to several years.

You will develop precision laser micromachining processes and the hardware behind them. This involves state‑of‑the‑art DPSS lasers including ultrashort‑pulsed systems across all common industrial wavelengths from UV to mid‑IR. You will also develop and validate integrated beam delivery, control, instrumentation and metrology subsystems for next‑generation laser micro‑processing, such as tailored beam shaping, high‑speed optical scanning, CNC servo motion control, advanced image processing and diagnostics.

High‑precision femtosecond processing is central to the role with particular interest in glass and photonic components. Extensive hands‑on laser micromachining experience is essential, so you can make an immediate impact. Successful developments are then progressed to higher technology readiness levels by our Engineering, Product Development, Applications and Production teams.

The position reports to the Senior Manger-Technology and the role is UK based from our headquarters in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

The role will suit a graduate, higher degree or experienced engineer with laser micromachining experience who wants to build a career in high‑tech industry. Some international travel may be required.

• Develop laser processes for commercial applications, grant‑funded projects and customer requirements
• Design, integrate and validate electro‑optomechanical prototypes and photonics modules for our laser processing product range
• Develop and maintain control software for R&D projects and other internal teams
• Support the design, manufacture and integration testing of customised laser systems
• Communicate results clearly to colleagues, customers and partners, including at international conferences and exhibitions
• Provide technical support to the Sales and Marketing team

• BSc degree or higher in Lasers/ Optical Engineering, Physics, Engineering or similar, plus equivalent practical experience. A laser‑related postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD) would be an advantage.
• Essential:
  Practical experience with femtosecond lase applications development
• Advantageous: short‑ and ultrashort‑pulsed laser micromachining of metals, ceramics, glasses and polymers
• Desirable:
  Knowledge of some of the following:
  • GHz/MHz burst‑pulse processing of transparent materials (glass microwelding, through‑glass via drilling, high‑aspect‑ratio zero‑kerf cutting and milling, in‑volume processing)
  • Optical systems design, ray tracing (ZEMAX or equivalent), alignment, and machine vision for OEM integration
  • Tailored beam delivery: non‑linear optics, adaptive optics,…