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- Tasks: Lead a team in developing cutting-edge laser systems for defense and space applications.
- Company: Join NKT Photonics, a leader in high-performance lasers and photonics innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, private medical cover, and wellness benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team tackling complex challenges and making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in optics or physics with 10+ years of hands-on optical engineering experience required.
- Other info: Work in a diverse environment with over 30 nationalities and a strong focus on work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Aerospace and Defence engineering team at NKT Photonics Ltd in Southampton UK are at the forefront of development of the next generation fibre laser systems for exciting new applications in the defence and space sectors. We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Team Leader – Optical Engineer to help push our cutting-edge laser technology to the next level. Our customers are using our laser sources in a diverse range of applications from target acquisition and directed energy weapons to quantum navigation and optical satellite communications. The huge growth forecast in these emerging new laser applications offers an exciting career opportunity and the chance to join a dynamic team of experts. As an experienced optical scientist or engineer you will have a high level of hands-on experience with fibre and free space optics and ideally have a PhD level degree or equivalent experience in a R&D or industrial environment.
About the role
This is a busy and varied role with responsibility for managing a team of engineers and leading several laser projects concurrently. In this role you and your team will be researching, designing, developing and manufacturing prototype laser systems and equipment to meet demanding customer requirements, as such you will need to ensure effective communication with other members of the team as well as related areas of the business and external partners. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
· Managing work allocation for team members, external contractors and suppliers
· Identifying capabilities within the team, and putting plans in place to address any skills gaps
· Recruiting, mentoring and developing team members
· Coming up with new customer driven concepts and designs for laser systems within our Aerospace and Defence engineering team
· Assessing the initial feasibility of these ideas and driving the evaluation for product development
· Working with a multi-disciplinary team to take selected products from concept through to manufacture
· Leading on projects, defining and maintaining project plans, providing regular progress reports and disseminating information on new developments to the team as well as reporting results and progress to customers
· Raising and responding to technical issues and implementing corrective actions and engineering design changes
· Working towards continuous improvement in product design, working practices and cost efficiency
· Keeping up to date with changing market trends and technologies
About you
We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer with a flair for project/team management. You will need to have a PhD in optics, physics or similar or an undergraduate degree in science or engineering with relevant experience. You will also need a minimum of 10 years\’ experience in the development of optical solutions, and a high level of hands-on experience with free space laser optics and fibre optics. The ideal candidate will have:
· Demonstrable experience of leading and developing teams
· Strong organisational skills to be able to work on multiple concurrent projects and activities
· A strong track record of designing innovative solutions to build effective products that meet customer requirements
· Specialist knowledge of the physics of fibre and/or bulk laser technology
· Excellent understanding of optical, electronic and mechanical requirements for industrial reliability
· Experience of programming, modelling and statistical analysis
You will be skilled at communicating and collaborating across other engineering disciplines and at all levels of the organisation and will have excellent data analysis and problem-solving skills. A high level of attention to detail and commitment to quality and reliability is essential in this role.
Additional requirements
Business English is required. You may also be required to travel up to 10% annually, potentially globally.
Join us!
NKT Photonics is a dynamic, international high-tech company and a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of high-performance lasers and photonics. We employ some of the best and most creative people in our industry and they have helped to make us one of the fastest growing and most innovative photonics companies in the world.
Our employees are our biggest asset. Our great co-workers are the top reason we all love working at NKT Photonics. Together, we tackle complex challenges and dig into unexplored territories. We welcome all ideas and backgrounds and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
We embrace uniqueness. With more than 30 nationalities, we are a diverse group. But we have a lot in common. We are curious, respectful, and we aim to make a difference in the World. We need the sharpest minds in the industry to help us accelerate development. Join us! Together, we can make an impact.
Benefits of working with us include 25 days\’ annual leave, pension, life insurance, private medical cover, dental cover, BUPA wellbeing cash plan, a range of other wellness benefits, employee discounts, free car parking, and family friendly policies.
If you wish to apply, please contact us with your CV. If you have a cover letter, please save this in one document with your CV as you are only able to upload one document. We look forward to hearing from you!
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NKT Photonics (\”The Company\”) take responsibility for the protection of your personal data. Accordingly, upon receiving your job application and additional material you choose to submit, the Company keeps a safe and secure environment and ensures confidentiality.
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Team Leader - Optical Engineering employer: NKT Photonics
Contact Detail:
NKT Photonics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Optical Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with fibre and free space optics during any discussions or interviews. This is crucial for the role, and demonstrating your practical knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. NKT Photonics values strong team management, so be prepared to share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in laser applications, especially in defence and aerospace. Being knowledgeable about current advancements will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement in product design. NKT Photonics is looking for innovative thinkers, so be ready to share how you've implemented effective solutions in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Optical Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in optical engineering, project management, and team leadership. Emphasize your hands-on experience with fibre and free space optics, as well as any relevant PhD or equivalent qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss specific projects you've led that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, showcasing your ability to manage teams and drive innovation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your experience in developing optical solutions and managing multiple projects. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, such as successful project completions or improvements in product design.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Mention any experience you have in mentoring or developing team members, as this is a crucial aspect of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at NKT Photonics
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with fibre and free space optics in detail. Highlight specific projects where you applied your knowledge, especially those related to laser systems in aerospace or defense applications.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing a team, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and developing team members, as well as how you handle work allocation and project management.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain how you would ensure effective communication within your team and with external partners.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research current trends in laser technology and the aerospace and defense sectors. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact your work and the company’s projects, showing that you are proactive and forward-thinking.
