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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in laser and optical technologies, collaborating with top physicists and engineers.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in cutting-edge defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health plans, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of defence technology while working in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in Laser Physics or Optical Engineering, with hands-on experience in optical design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Laser Scientist at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
The Role
As a Senior Laser Scientist, you’ll play a vital role in advancing QinetiQ’s research into next-generation laser and optical technologies, directly contributing to the development of innovative defence and commercial solutions. Day-to-day, you’ll work alongside a team of physicists and engineers to design, model, and test novel optical systems. You’ll take ownership of work packages focused on high-energy laser development, applying your experience in optical physics to analyse system performance, evaluate designs, and ensure technical excellence. You’ll also collaborate across teams in Farnborough and Malvern, contribute to experimental setups and laboratory testing, and share your expertise to support training and mentoring as the team expands its laser technology capability.
Responsibilities
- Planning and technical leadership of projects as appropriate
- Planning, development, and deployment of optical systems
- Providing input to larger projects as part of a team of subject matter experts
- Undertaking technical tasks relating to HEL development, test and evaluation
- Engaging with relevant stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds
- Support of and input to the QinetiQ technical strategy
- Deployment to trial sites across the UK.
Essential experience
- Experience in the use and development of CNN/Machine learning or other such technologies, and their application to coherent beam combination
- A strong foundation in laser and optical physics, with hands-on expertise in optical design and a clear understanding of material and coating selection
- Demonstrable experience planning and delivering complex technical projects while applying structured systems engineering principles
- Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders to define, capture, and interpret complex technical requirements
- Practical knowledge of beam combination techniques within advanced optical or laser systems
- A thorough understanding of laser safety practices and standards, working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and communicating with clarity and confidence
Essential qualifications
- PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. Laser Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline)
This role is 37 hours per week based at Farnborough.
Farnborough
At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state-of-the-art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation. Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential.
Our Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
- Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
- We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
- Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community
Recruitment process
We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Security clearance
Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.
Senior Laser & Optical Scientist employer: QinetiQ
Contact Detail:
QinetiQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laser & Optical Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at QinetiQ on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with laser and optical systems confidently. We want to see your passion for the field shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Be ready to share examples of how you've worked in multi-disciplinary teams. QinetiQ values teamwork, so let them know you're all about that synergy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the QinetiQ family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laser & Optical Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Laser Scientist role. Highlight your experience in laser and optical physics, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on expertise you have with optical design. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Projects: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects you've led or contributed to that relate to high-energy laser development. Use clear examples to demonstrate your planning and technical leadership skills. This will help us understand your practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Engage with Our Values: At QinetiQ, we value diversity and inclusion. In your application, feel free to share how your unique background or experiences can contribute to our team. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also passionate about creating an inclusive workplace.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find more information about our culture and benefits there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your laser and optical physics knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with optical design and beam combination techniques. This is your chance to showcase your expertise, so don’t hold back!
✨Project Planning Prowess
Since the role involves planning and delivering complex technical projects, be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences. Highlight how you applied structured systems engineering principles and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your capability in leading projects effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The ability to engage effectively with stakeholders is crucial. Think of instances where you’ve successfully defined and interpreted complex technical requirements. Prepare to discuss how you communicated these effectively across teams, as this will show your collaborative spirit.
✨Safety First
Understanding laser safety practices is essential for this role. Be prepared to talk about your knowledge of safety standards and how you've implemented them in previous projects. This will not only show your technical competence but also your commitment to a safe working environment.