Opportunities in QinetiQ's Laser & Optical Engineering Teams in Farnborough

The Laser & Optical Engineering teams at QinetiQ (Farnborough and Malvern) are seeking talented and motivated Laser & Optical Engineers to join our growing team of subject matter experts. In this role, you will apply your experience in optical systems and engineering delivery to support the development, integration, and qualification of cutting‑edge High Energy Laser products and systems. You will play a key role in translating advanced research into deployable, high‑performance solutions. Training and development in High Energy Laser technologies will be provided as part of your career journey with us.

What do the Laser & Optical Engineering teams do? Our teams are at the forefront of QinetiQ’s contribution to the UK’s Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) programmes, among other world‑leading photonics‑based capabilities. We work across the full product lifecycle – following a gate‑stage approach from early‑stage research and prototypes through to integrated, qualified, and field‑deployable systems.

As part of the team, you will:

• Design, develop, and mature electro‑optical and optomechanical subsystems.
• Apply systems engineering principles across the delivery lifecycle.
• Support product development, integration, verification, and qualification activities.
• Build and operate experimental and prototype systems.
• Support the introduction of product into manufacturing.
• Contribute to technical strategy and innovation roadmaps.
• Support business growth through technical inputs to bids and proposals.

Career Development at QinetiQ: QinetiQ offers flexible and varied career paths. You may choose to:

• Work across multiple programmes and system levels.
• Progress into technical delivery leadership or functional line‑management roles.

With increasing demand for Laser & Optical Engineers across our business, your skills and experience will be highly valued and continuously developed.

What kind of person are we looking for? We are looking for individuals who:

• Are passionate about photonics, lasers, and optical systems.
• Have a strong engineering mindset with a focus on product delivery and real‑world application.
• Can learn quickly and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Enjoy solving complex technical challenges.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Early Career Opportunities: If you are beginning your career as an engineer and have experience in lasers or optics, we would like to hear from you. You may have exposure to areas such as:

• Optical design and modelling.
• Laser systems or photonics technologies.
• Machine vision and control systems.
• Sensing and detection technologies.
• Test, evaluation, and experimental methods.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development, integration, and testing of optical systems.
• Producing technical reports and presenting results.
• Contributing to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Supporting trials and field deployments across the UK.

You will receive structured development and mentoring to accelerate your growth.

Mid‑Career Opportunities: As an experienced engineer, you will contribute from day one to the delivery of complex, high‑value systems. In addition to core engineering responsibilities, you will:

• Lead or contribute to product development and qualification activities.
• Define and manage technical work packages.
• Support and write technical proposals and bids.
• Engage directly with customers and stakeholders.
• Influence project technical direction and delivery.

You will also have opportunities to develop into technical leadership and project leadership roles.

Senior & Principal Opportunities: As a senior engineer, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering QinetiQ’s LDEW strategy, with a strong emphasis on system‑level integration, product maturity, and operational capability. Responsibilities include:

• Providing technical leadership across programmes.
• Driving system design, integration, and qualification strategies.
• Leading customer engagements and high‑impact deliveries.
• Shaping technology and product roadmaps.
• Mentoring and developing engineering teams.

Our Fellowship scheme recognises and supports individuals with deep technical expertise and leadership capability. All applicants must be eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance as a minimum. Individuals who already hold suitable clearance may be able to transfer it, subject to approval. Please note that some roles are subject to access restrictions related to nationality and security requirements.