At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team in developing and manufacturing complex laser systems.
- Company: Join a small, well-funded organisation with expert founders.
- Benefits: Influence, visibility, and the freedom to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with ambitious goals and rapid evolution.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while guiding innovative engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Background in physics or laser engineering and experience leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
If you’re looking for a role where your work genuinely shapes the direction of a growing technology team, this one offers the chance to lead a talented group of physicists and mechanical engineers while steering complex laser‑based systems from development into full manufacturing. You’d be joining a small but well‑funded organisation of just over twenty people, with strong backing and founders who are recognised experts in their field. It’s a place where you’ll have influence, visibility and the freedom to make a real difference.
In this role you’ll take ownership of the systems function, guiding how laser, optical, mechanical and control elements come together into a cohesive system. You’ll set the architectural direction, support hands‑on engineering decisions, and provide the leadership and structure the team needs as the technology scales. Collaboration is key and you’ll work directly with the founders, wider engineering groups, suppliers and early customers to shape how new variants are developed and delivered.
A major part of the job will centre on moving ideas from R&D into production, tightening NPD/NPI processes, improving test and validation approaches, and ensuring the engineering output is consistent, safe and ready for manufacturing. It’s a role suited to someone who enjoys combining technical depth with team leadership in an environment where the roadmap is ambitious and evolving quickly.
We are looking for:
- Background in physics, photonics or laser‑based engineering
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Systems engineering experience across hardware, optics/lasers or control systems
- Proven ability to take products through NPD/NPI into manufacture
- Ability to define and own system‑level architecture and specifications
Head of Laser Systems Engineering in Oxford employer: Enterprise Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative small organisation where your leadership will directly influence the development of cutting-edge laser systems. With a collaborative work culture and strong backing from industry experts, you'll have the opportunity to guide a talented team while enjoying significant visibility and the freedom to drive impactful projects. This role not only offers competitive benefits but also fosters professional growth in a fast-paced environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful contribution in technology.
Contact Details:
Enterprise Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Laser Systems Engineering in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their products, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for laser systems engineering shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making an impact in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Laser Systems Engineering in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your background in physics, photonics, or laser-based engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience with multidisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about leading a talented group at our organisation. Mention how your experience aligns with steering complex laser-based systems from development into manufacturing.
Showcase Your Systems Engineering Skills:Since this role involves defining system-level architecture, be sure to include examples of your systems engineering experience. Talk about how you've successfully taken products through NPD/NPI processes and improved test and validation approaches.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Enterprise Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laser systems, optics, and photonics. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description, especially those involving NPD/NPI processes. This will show that you not only understand the technical aspects but also how they apply in a real-world context.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Think about challenges you've faced and how you guided your team through them. This role is all about collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and manage a diverse group will be key.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this position involves working closely with founders, suppliers, and customers, be ready to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you successfully partnered with others to drive a project forward, and how you navigated any conflicts or differing opinions.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some deep dives into systems engineering concepts. Prepare to discuss how you would approach integrating various components into a cohesive system. Think about architectural decisions you've made in the past and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
