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Laser Applications Team Leader

Oxford
5 days ago
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Laser Applications Team Leader/Laser Process Engineer
Location: Oxford
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are seeking an experienced Laser Applications Team Leader (Laser Process Engineer or Photonics Engineer) to lead our hands-on laser R&D, materials processing, and customer application development team. This role is ideal for an engineer with expertise in laser optics, laser–material interaction, and optical systems integration, who enjoys guiding a team while remaining actively involved in experimental work.

Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Project Management

  • Lead and coordinate the laser applications team, scheduling R&D and customer development projects.

  • Work with management, sales, and engineering teams to prioritise work and allocate resources.

  • Track project progress, make timely interventions, and report on R&D milestones to management.

    Laser Process Development

  • Translate customer requirements into effective laser processes (cutting, welding, drilling, marking, micromachining).

  • Set up and align laser and optical systems (fiber, diode, femtosecond, or UV lasers).

  • Analyse laser–material interactions to improve process quality, efficiency, and repeatability.

  • Collect data, analyse results, and produce high-quality documentation and technical reports.

    Customer and Applications Support

  • Provide technical sales support and deliver presentations or demonstrations to customers.

  • Collaborate with clients to optimise process parameters for their applications.

    System Integration & Machine Commissioning

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure machines meet process requirements.

  • Support machine commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance, including occasional international travel.

    Skills and Qualifications
    Essential:

  • Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field.

  • 5+ years’ experience in laser R&D, laser processing, or optical systems engineering.

  • Strong knowledge of laser optics, beam delivery, and materials processing techniques.

  • Proven ability to develop, optimise, and lead laser processes (cutting, welding, marking, drilling).

  • Excellent team leadership, analytical, and documentation skills.

  • Effective communicator and collaborative team player.

    Desirable:

  • Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical field.

  • Experience in electronics, photovoltaics, or semiconductor manufacturing.

  • Knowledge of Chinese language advantageous.

    Why Join Us

  • Lead a skilled laser applications team working on cutting-edge laser and photonics technologies.

  • Combine hands-on R&D with strategic team leadership and project management.

  • Collaborate globally with industry-leading engineers and customers.

  • Contribute to technologies shaping the future of precision manufacturing and optical engineering.

    If you’re a motivated engineer ready to take on a leadership role in laser process development, apply today and help drive innovation in our laser applications team

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