Laser Development Engineer in Glasgow

At Coherent Scotland, we develop advanced laser systems used worldwide in markets such as renewable energy, microelectronics, fundamental research, life sciences and medicine. As the Ultrafast Laser Centre of Excellence for Coherent, our Glasgow site plays a central role in shaping the next generation of ultrafast laser technologies. Our systems are designed for superior performance and reliability, enabling our customers to make meaningful scientific, industrial and medical impact. Coherent Scotland has grown strongly and consistently over the past decade, supported by a healthy product development pipeline and increasing global demand for our technologies. This growth continues to create excellent opportunities for technical and personal development.

We design and manufacture a wide range of laser products on site, including systems developed collaboratively with other Coherent divisions. Based at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, we are part of Coherent Corp., a global leader in lasers, materials, and networking solutions. Our purpose-built facility brings research and development, manufacturing and product support together under one roof, enabling fast innovation and cross-functional collaboration. We are proud to be a dynamic international team, combining local expertise with global technical capability. We offer a friendly, business-orientated work environment with excellent on-site facilities, including an in-house cafeteria. Our competitive remuneration package includes a discretionary company bonus scheme, contributory pension scheme, subsidised private healthcare and free life assurance. We operate flexible core hours to support work-life balance, providing employees with the opportunity to start their weekend early.

We have an immediate opening for a motivated and detail-oriented Laser Development Engineer to join our R&D team in the design, development and optimisation of our cutting‑edge ultrafast and CW laser systems. This role provides the opportunity to demonstrate and apply your existing skills while also building new technical capabilities and deepening your knowledge in advanced laser physics, opto‑mechanical engineering and system integration. As part of the development group, you will contribute to feasibility studies, prototype builds and system‑level optimisation, working hands‑on with optical, mechanical, electronics and control‑systems specialists. You will help translate early‑stage concepts into robust, manufacturable products by performing experimental work, analysing performance, and providing clear, data‑driven feedback into the engineering process. This position offers exposure to the full product lifecycle, from feasibility and breadboard development through detailed design, verification and production transfer. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across R&D, NPI, Manufacturing Engineering and Operations, as well as ultrafast laser experts across Coherent’s global network. You will join a collaborative and supportive engineering culture, where sharing knowledge, learning from specialists and growing technical expertise are core parts of how we work. We are looking for a proactive engineer who can receive general direction, investigate technical challenges independently and contribute constructively within a multidisciplinary team. You will be expected to adapt to evolving project needs, prioritise effectively, and deliver both individual and team‑based technical objectives.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

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

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of ultrashort laser pulses, mode‑locking techniques, optical nonlinearities and dispersion is desirable.
• Ability to program in Python for data analysis and for modelling systems.
• Knowledge of control systems and familiarity with circuit diagrams to debug complex system issues.
• May have 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

• Demonstrated problem solving and work prioritisation skills.
• Ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with end‑users, management, and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities involving internal customer requests and demands.
• Ability to excel in a cross‑organisational, cross cultural, global team environment.
• Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
• 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.

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!