At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge team to advance photonics research for defence applications.
- Company: Innovative UK defence engineering company with a startup vibe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and relocation allowance available.
- Other info: Long-term career growth with opportunities to lead in advanced technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working with leading researchers.
- Qualifications: 5-15 years of hands-on experience in photonics and laser systems.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Senior Photonics Engineer
Bristol area, onsite role – Permanent opportunity – Competitive salary and generous benefits package
About the programme.
Our client is a UK sovereign defence engineering company delivering a novel counter-UAS capability for MOD, NATO, and allied customers.
The programme is founder-led, moves at startup pace, and is genuinely differentiated from prime-tier defence engineering — smaller teams, faster decisions, and real ownership for senior engineers.
Our client combines internal engineering delivery with partnerships across the UK's photonics and defence research community, and the role advertised here sits at the intersection of those two worlds.
About the role.
Our client is hiring a Senior Photonics Engineer to represent the company as a long-term embedded member of a leading UK photonics research group in the M4 corridor / South West England area.
The successful candidate joins our client as a permanent employee but is based five days a week with the research partner, working on advanced photonics research relevant to our client's defence programme.
Regular visits to the main research laboratory to maintain integration with the wider engineering team.
The horizon is genuinely long-term, becoming our client's in-house authority in this technology area as internal capability builds.
About the person we're looking for.
Mid-career industry engineer, 5-15 years post-graduation, with genuine hands-on photonics and laser heritage.
Essentials: excellent interpersonal communication skills, prior experience working with lasers and setting up free-space optical systems, and strong understanding of light guidance principles including optical modes.
Desirable: prior experience with high-power lasers, experience in optical fibre fabrication, and prior R&D industry experience.
Industry-shaped rather than pure academic — comfortable operating in a research environment on advanced technologies while remaining industry-employed.
Long-term commitment mindset.
Genuinely engaged with UK sovereign defence engineering as a mission.
Package competitive at mid-career photonics engineering level, nationwide search with relocation allowance available for the right candidate.
Start before Christmas 2026 is the target.
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Locations
Senior Photonics Engineer in Somerset, Taunton employer: Morson Edge
Join a forward-thinking engineering firm in Manchester, where as a Senior Electrical Designer, you will thrive in a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior designers while working on significant projects across Water and Nuclear sectors, all within a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Enjoy competitive salary packages and the chance to contribute to impactful engineering solutions in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Photonics Engineer in Somerset, Taunton
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Photonics Engineer role you’re after at Morson Edge.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Morson Edge a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Morson Edge.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Photonics Engineer at Morson Edge, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Photonics Engineer in Somerset, Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Photonics Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Morson Edge a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Morson Edge specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Morson Edge, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Morson Edge want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
