Senior Laser Engineer (Laser Writing & Readout Systems)

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Laser Engineer to help in designing, developing and optimising an integrated system for writing and reading encoded information using laser.

The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on experience with class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser operation, frequency doubling, laser optics, polarisation control, beam shaping, combined with computer skills to automate optical components control using software.

You will join a small, interdisciplinary team and play a central role in advancing a next-generation optical security and sensing technology platform.

Apply below after reading through all the details and supporting information regarding this job opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement optical setup for encoding and retrieval of information using laser writing.

Develop and characterise laser writing in a range of materials using nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in a variety of optical ranges (266 nm / 532 nm / 1064 nm).

Lead a small team to build and align free-space optical systems involving apertures, waveplates, galvo mirrors, beam splitters, illumination filters, spatial light modulators, detectors, and scanning stages.

Create algorithms and control software for:

Spatial light modulators

Laser pulse triggering and modulation

Galvo and waveplates control

Develop calibration and characterisation procedures for optical components and detectors.

Perform experiments to measure laser-written signatures, contrast, and stability.

Document optical designs, test results, safety protocols, and build procedures.

Contribute to IP development, patent drafts, and design reviews.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Optics, Physics, Photonics Engineering, Laser Engineering or related discipline (PhD level).

Essential Skills

Hands-on experience with class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed lasers (setup, alignment, safety, diagnostics) and laser optics.

Strong experience with programmable spatial light modulators and modern techniques for light shaping.

Knowledge of Optical design principles

Proven ability to build and align complex optical setups on optical tables.

Experience with programming for experimental automation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C++).

Strong data analysis and visualisation skills.

Desirable Skills

Polarisation optics (Jones/Mueller calculus, retarders, liquid-crystal optics, chiral and anisotropic materials).

Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Lumerical, Code V, or similar).

Knowledge of laser–material modification, micro-patterning, or laser inscription.

Experience with optical metasurfaces, birefringent coatings, or structured light.

Personal Attributes

Strong experimental skills and troubleshooting ability.

Experience that enables to take a lead in a small team of laser engineers and take ownership of complex tasks.

Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits. xwzovoh

Creative problem solver with interest in novel optical technologies.