At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Laser & Optical Engineering teams to develop cutting-edge High Energy Laser products.
- Company: QinetiQ, a leader in photonics and laser technology.
- Benefits: Flexible career paths, structured development, and mentoring opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced laser technologies and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Passion for lasers and optics, with engineering experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Opportunities in QinetiQ’s Laser & Optical Engineering Teams. 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.
If your experience aligns with our current opportunities, we’ll be in touch. If not, we’ll retain your CV for future roles as our teams continue to grow.
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:
- Develop deep expertise in a specialist domain.
- 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.
Important Information
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.
Laser & Optical Engineering Teams in Farnborough employer: QinetiQ
QinetiQ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Farnborough and Malvern where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to tailored training in High Energy Laser technologies and opportunities for career progression across various engineering domains. Our collaborative culture encourages creativity and problem-solving, making it an ideal place for passionate engineers to contribute to cutting-edge projects while enjoying a supportive and flexible workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laser & Optical Engineering Teams in Farnborough
✨Join Aerospace Networks
Dive into aerospace engineering networks like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Royal Aeronautical Society. These communities are perfect for entry-level folks like us to connect with industry professionals and keep our eyes peeled for job openings or valuable resources.
✨Attend Industry Events
Make sure you check out aerospace conferences, job fairs, and expos happening in your area—it's a goldmine for entry-level opportunities! Events like the Farnborough International Airshow can help us get face-time with companies and learn about what they’re looking for in fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Get your hands on some aerospace-related projects or internships, even if they’re on a smaller scale. We can easily showcase them online, whether it's on a portfolio website or through platforms like GitHub, to grab the attention of potential employers like QinetiQ.
✨Look for Company-Specific Internships
Keep an eye out for entry-level job postings on companies' career pages, especially during undergrad recruiting seasons. Places like QinetiQ often have specific programmes designed to attract and train eager minds like ours, so let’s not miss out on those opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Laser & Optical Engineering Teams in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Projects:When applying for an entry-level aerospace engineering role like Laser & Optical Engineering Teams at QinetiQ, make sure to highlight any university projects, internships, or design work related to aerodynamics or materials science. We want to see your hands-on experience, even if it’s just through your coursework!
Emphasise Your Technical Skills:In aerospace engineering, showcasing your technical skills is essential. Make sure to include software like CAD or MATLAB on your CV, along with any robotics or simulations you’ve worked on. Let's demonstrate that you have the technical chops for this role!
Show Passion for the Industry:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you want to join the aerospace world at QinetiQ. Tell us about any relevant hobbies, such as model building or involvement in engineering clubs. We love to see candidates who are as passionate about aerospace as we are!
Tailor Your CV to Aerospace Engineering:Don’t forget to tailor your CV specifically for this entry-level position. Put the most relevant experience at the top and make sure it's easy to see how you align with the requirements of Laser & Optical Engineering Teams. Clear, concise formatting is key—and remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
Make sure we’ve revised the core principles of aerospace engineering before our interview at QinetiQ. Expect technical questions that test our understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials. Being able to discuss projects or theories we've studied can really help showcase our knowledge.
✨Prepare for Hands-on Assessments
Since it's an entry-level role, it’s likely we'll face some hands-on tasks or practical assessments during the interview. Familiarise ourselves with CAD software or simulation tools commonly used in aerospace design. Showing off our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations can definitely give us an edge.
✨Highlight Our Passion for the Industry
Being entry-level, it’s key for us to convey our enthusiasm for aerospace engineering. Let’s think about why we chose this field and any recent developments in the industry that excite us. A genuine passion can sometimes outweigh experience for companies like QinetiQ.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills
Given the collaborative nature of aerospace projects, we should come prepared with examples of how we’ve worked in teams or solved complex problems. Whether it’s a university project or a fun personal project, illustrating our ability to work well with others can really set us apart in the eyes of the interviewers at QinetiQ.
