Laser Development Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

Job Description

At Coherent Scotland, we develop laser systems. Our systems are deployed in a wide variety of markets including renewable energy, microelectronics, fundamental research, life sciences and medicine. We aim to make a positive impact on everybody's life by providing customers with lasers with superior reliability and performance.

Coherent Scotland has grown strongly and consistently over the past ten years, even through times of global economic slowdown. We have a healthy product development pipeline which will enable this growth to continue in the future. This will generate many exciting opportunities for personal growth within the organisation in the years to come. We develop and manufacture many different lasers on site as well as manufacturing lasers which are developed in other Coherent divisions.

Coherent Scotland is based at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow and is a subsidiary of Coherent Corp., a global leader in the manufacture of materials, networking equipment and laser products. We are housed in a purpose-built facility with research and development, manufacturing, and marketing all on one site.

We have a friendly, business-orientated work environment and great staff facilities within our modern building, including an on-site cafeteria. In addition, we offer a competitive remuneration package which includes a contributory pension scheme, subsidised private health care and free life assurance. However, if work-life balance is important to you, you'll also be pleased to know that we operate flexible core hours which provide the opportunity to start your weekend early.

JOB SUMMARY

We have an immediate opening for a detail-oriented Development Engineer to become part of the R&D team responsible for the design of our cutting-edge laser systems. We are looking for a well-motivated self-starter who can take general instructions and seek out all the elements needed to complete the assigned tasks.

You will have responsibility for achievement of both personal and team-based goals delivering project focused outputs. You will be able to adapt quickly to changing requirements and understand critical needs and prioritise tasks and workload. You will have access to a local and worldwide talent pool with expertise in fundamentals like optical fibre design or laser crystal growth and to world class manufacturing expertise while cross site collaborations are encouraged. You will work within a team where guidance and training will be provided. You will typically work through a product development and get exposed to the entire product lifecycle from feasibility experiments through to production transfer and in this journey, you will interact with colleagues across the full business.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducting technical feasibility studies in the design of ultrashort pulsed fibre lasers and their use in laser systems.
2. Building, assessing, and qualifying prototypes based on these feasibility studies.
3. Troubleshooting laser performance issues.
4. Providing detailed and technically thorough reports / presentations to the engineering team.
5. Providing technical support to the laser manufacturing teams.
6. Working within a multi-disciplined engineering team to design laser systems.
7. Collaborating with local and international experts.
8. Defining specifications and sourcing of laser parts and components.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

1. PhD or equivalent in a solid state or fibre laser based area or demonstrable experience of working in a laser manufacturing or development environment.
2. Willingness to take responsibility for improvement actions.
3. Initiative to seek innovative solutions to problems.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues.
5. Understanding of the principles of optics and lasers.
6. Demonstrable practical ability in the creation of breadboard laser systems or of assembling and optimising laser systems in a manufacturing environment.
7. Experienced in the use of test equipment, both optical (power meters, spectrometers, auto-correlators, etc.) and electrical (oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analysers, etc.).
8. Experienced in the use of optical modelling software packages (for example Zemax) and / or the development of optical models via custom code.
9. General understanding of electronics and control systems.
10. Ability to work on multiple tasks and manage priorities.
11. Ability to work from general instructions for new assignments either in isolation or as part of a wider team.
12. Occasional travel will be required.

Preferred Additional Skills

1. Knowledge of ultrashort laser pulses, mode-locking techniques, optical nonlinearities and dispersion is desirable.
2. Ability to program in Python for data analysis and for modelling systems.
3. Knowledge of control systems and familiarity with circuit diagrams to debug complex system issues.
4. Experience of working with SBR's (saturable Bragg reflectors) and aspects of their design and processing for use in ultra-fast laser systems.

SKILLS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Demonstrated problem solving and work prioritisation skills.
2. Ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with end-users, management, and staff.
4. Ability to handle multiple priorities involving internal customer requests and demands.
5. Ability to excel in a cross-organisational, cross cultural, global team environment.
6. Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
7. Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, and competency.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Scotland EHS standards.

QUALITY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

CULTURE COMMITMENT

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.