Systems Design Engineer in Glasgow

Job Description

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.

System Design Engineer

Are you passionate about solving complex engineering challenges and developing cutting-edge laser technologies?

We are seeking a Systems Design Engineer to join our growing R&D team and play a key role in the development of advanced laser systems, from early-stage feasibility through to full manufacturing release. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate across optics, electronics, software and mechanical engineering to deliver robust, high-performance products.

As a Systems Design Engineer, you will drive systems engineering activities across the product lifecycle, defining requirements, managing interfaces, coordinating verification activities and identifying technical risks. You will develop a broad understanding of the complete laser system and become a key technical contributor to the successful delivery of next-generation laser products.

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working across disciplines, solving challenging technical problems and influencing product design from concept to release.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Define and develop control-system requirements for new laser-system designs, translating multidisciplinary inputs into system architectures, design constraints and control strategies.
• Collaborate with optical, software, electronics, mechanical and NPI teams to deliver reliable, manufacturable products that meet customer and business requirements.
• Create and maintain system requirements, verification plans, test specifications and supporting engineering documentation.
• Coordinate the development, integration and release of control-system hardware and software within wider product development programmes.
• Investigate prototype failures and complex system-level issues, performing structured root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop broad technical expertise across laser-system design and contribute to continuous product improvement.
• Critically evaluate design decisions while considering manufacturing, field service, compliance and customer requirements.
• Apply risk-management methodologies throughout product development to identify and mitigate technical risks.
• Support compliance activities and product qualification against applicable standards.
• Lead troubleshooting activities for electronics, software and system-level issues across both development and released products.
• Contribute to manufacturing and field-support investigations when required.

What You’ll Bring

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Physics, Engineering or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills with practical experience conducting structured investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems involving electronics, software and/or optical technologies.
• Ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholders.
• Experience working throughout the product development lifecycle.

Technical Skills

• Good understanding of control systems incorporating electronic hardware and software.
• Practical knowledge of analogue electronics, including circuit debugging and fault finding.
• Understanding of laser-system technologies and underlying physical principles.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Strong planning, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with laser technologies such as:
  • Fibre lasers
  • Solid-state lasers
  • Laser amplifiers
  • Nonlinear optics
  • Optical Parametric Amplifiers (OPAs)
  • Ultrafast or mode-locked laser systems
  • UV laser generation
• Programming experience using Python, MATLAB or C# for data analysis, test automation or instrument control.
• Experience leading technical projects or influencing cross-functional engineering teams.

Join us and help shape the next generation of advanced laser technologies while working alongside experts across optics, electronics, software and mechanical engineering.

What We Offer

Our benefits vary by country and role. Depending on your location, your package may include:

• Competitive base salary and annual incentive eligibility
• Employer-supported pension or retirement provision
• Health, wellbeing and employee-assistance programmes
• Life and income-protection benefits
• Flexible-working arrangements, where compatible with the role
• Learning and professional-development opportunities
• Employee recognition and share programmes

Our ICARE Values

How We Work Is Just As Important As What We Achieve. Everyone At Coherent Is Expected To Demonstrate Our ICARE Values

Integrity –

Create an environment of trust

Collaboration –

Innovate through the sharing of ideas

Accountability –

Own the process and the outcome

Respect –

Recognise the value in everyone

Enthusiasm –

Find a sense of purpose in work

Application and Selection

If you require an adjustment or accessibility accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact john.cairney@coherent.com . We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Join us and help shape the technologies that connect, inform and transform our world.

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!

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