Junior Laser Applications Engineer

Junior Laser Applications Development Engineer

Location: Oxfordshire
Salary: £30,000–£40,000
Sector: Advanced Technology / Laser Processing / Semiconductor & Solar
Level: Graduate / Junior

Mploy Group is recruiting for a Junior Laser Applications Development Engineer to join a highly innovative technology business developing advanced laser-based manufacturing processes and equipment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Physics, Applied Physics or related Engineering graduate who enjoys practical experimentation and wants to build a career working with cutting-edge laser technology.

The position is heavily hands-on and laboratory focused. You’ll work with short-pulse solid-state lasers, optical systems and advanced beam delivery technology, developing and optimising laser-material processing techniques for high-technology manufacturing applications.

Working alongside experienced physicists and engineers, you’ll have the opportunity to develop deep expertise in laser processing while contributing to technology that ultimately moves from laboratory development into industrial production environments.

The Role

You will investigate how different materials respond to laser processing, designing experiments and analysing results to establish the optimum parameters for different applications.

The role combines physics, optics, materials science and practical engineering, with exposure to software, electronics and process control.

Key responsibilities will include:

Designing and conducting laser-material interaction experiments

Operating short-pulse solid-state laser systems and beam delivery equipment

Developing and optimising laser processing parameters

Using microscopy, metrology and diagnostic equipment to analyse results

Investigating the relationship between laser parameters, material properties and process outcomes

Applying fundamental physics principles to practical engineering challenges

Supporting the development of process control equipment and methodologies

Analysing experimental data and identifying trends and improvements

Maintaining accurate experimental records, methodologies and technical documentation

Communicating findings clearly to engineering and technical teams

Supporting the transition of successful processes towards industrial applications

Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and technology teams

Supporting international projects where required

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who genuinely enjoy experimental science. You should be someone who wants to understand why something happens rather than simply whether it works.

You will ideally have:

BSc, MPhys, MSc or equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics or a closely related Engineering discipline

Strong understanding of optics and fundamental physics

Knowledge of materials science, including thermodynamics, phase changes or material structures

A practical, hands-on approach to experimentation

Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to collecting and analysing data

Natural curiosity and enthusiasm for science and engineering

An interest in mechanics, electronics and software alongside core physics

Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly

Willingness to learn from experienced engineers and scientists

Desirable Experience

Any of the following would be beneficial but are not essential, particularly for graduate applicants:

Academic, internship or commercial experience working with lasers or optical systems

Optical alignment experience

Microscopy, metrology or laboratory measurement techniques

Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW

Hardware control or experimental automation

Mechanical design or practical mechanical engineering

Semiconductor, electronics or photovoltaic technology exposure

Mandarin language skills

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to move into a specialist area of laser applications and advanced manufacturing technology while receiving significant technical mentorship.

Rather than joining in a purely theoretical capacity, you’ll be directly involved in experimentation, process development and solving real-world engineering problems.

The organisation operates internationally, so there may also be opportunities for occasional overseas travel to support technology transfer, projects, site visits and conferences.

For a Physics graduate who enjoys being in the lab, experimenting with technology and understanding the science behind advanced manufacturing processes, this offers an excellent platform to develop into a specialist Laser Applications Engineer.

Please apply to find out more

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