We are seeking an experienced Head of Laser Development to lead the development of next-generation laser systems for advanced industrial and scientific applications.
You will take responsibility for the technical direction, development strategy and execution of complex laser R&D projects, leading a multidisciplinary team of laser physicists, optical engineers and development specialists.
The successful candidate will combine extensive hands‑on laser development expertise with proven technical leadership, taking innovative laser concepts from initial feasibility through prototyping, validation and industrialisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team specialising in laser technology, photonics and optical systems.
- Take overall technical responsibility for the design, development and optimisation of advanced laser sources and systems.
- Drive new laser development projects from initial concept and feasibility studies through prototyping, testing and production readiness.
- Oversee the development of solid‑state, fibre, diode‑pumped, ultrafast and high‑power laser technologies, as relevant to the product portfolio.
- Manage laser system architecture, optical resonator design, beam delivery, thermal management and system integration.
- Guide the development and optimisation of laser performance parameters, including output power, beam quality, pulse duration, stability and efficiency.
- Establish and improve laboratory testing, laser characterisation, optical alignment and validation procedures.
- Define technical development roadmaps, project milestones, budgets and resource requirements.
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, electronics, software, manufacturing and applications engineering departments.
- Support the transition of laser technologies from R&D into scalable and reliable manufacturing.
- Lead technical problem‑solving activities involving complex laser systems and optical components.
- Maintain responsibility for technical documentation, quality standards and laser safety requirements.
- Work closely with senior management to define long‑term technology strategy and identify new development opportunities.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or PhD in Physics, Laser Technology, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 8–10 years of professional experience in laser development, optical engineering or photonics R&D.
- Several years of experience leading technical teams, R&D departments or complex multidisciplinary engineering projects.
- Extensive knowledge of laser physics, optical system design and laser development processes.
- Strong hands‑on experience developing and troubleshooting laser systems in a laboratory environment.
- Experience with relevant laser technologies, such as:
- Solid‑state and diode‑pumped lasers
- Ultrafast and femtosecond laser systems
- Fibre lasers and optical amplifiers
- Laser beam delivery and optical resonators
- Strong understanding of laser characterisation, optical alignment, beam diagnostics and performance optimisation.
- Experience with optical simulation and design tools such as Zemax, OpticStudio, COMSOL or similar.
- Knowledge of thermal effects, optical coatings, nonlinear optics and laser‑material interactions.
- Proven ability to lead projects from early‑stage research through prototype development and industrialisation.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and technical decision‑making skills.
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