Laser Applications Engineer

Oxford Lasers Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laser technology firm in East Hagbourne is looking for a skilled engineer or scientist to develop laser micromachining processes. The role involves working with state-of-the-art laser systems and has responsibilities ranging from production work to developing new techniques for varied applications. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and possess practical experience in laser applications. Opportunities for weekend work may occur due to high demand, and a supportive working environment is provided with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Up to 30 days holiday

Group Personal Pension with company contribution

Private Medical Scheme (BUPA)

Qualifications

• Good degree or MSc in a relevant field.
• Practical laser applications experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of optical systems and integration of laser systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop laser micromachining processes for customers.
• Ensure high quality of produced parts.
• Support the sales team with technical advice.

Skills

Practical laser applications

Materials science knowledge

Machine control software

Good computer and IT skills

Education

Good degree or MSc in Lasers or Optical Engineering

Job description

Oxford Lasers Ltd is a high technology company headquartered in Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. The company designs and manufactures complete laser micro‑machining systems, supplies subcontract laser micromachining services and carries out after sales services.

The laser systems come in two groups; micromachining and imaging. Micromachining systems use a laser beam to perform a wide variety of micromachining tasks in many different materials and for many different applications. Imaging systems use a laser, specialist camera and software to produce an instrument capable of measuring and analysing very small, fast moving particles sizes, speeds, sprays etc for a range of applications.

The company was founded in 1977 as a spin‑out from Oxford University and still retains its unique skills in laser technology and applications. The company has an active R&D programme and aims to be world‑leading in its chosen fields. Our customers are mainly international.

Oxford Lasers is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Background to the Position

The Micromachining Division of the company operates across a broad range of applications supported by a number of applications and development engineers. The Division is involved with applications ranging from 24/7 production processes to newly developed via grant funded R&D projects. Oxford Lasers’ technology is world‑leading in many areas of laser micromachining.

The Micromachining Division supplies integrated, complex laser micromachining systems to high‑tech companies and universities throughout the world. The company also operates a very successful Laser Micromachining Subcontract service. This role underpins both systems and sub‑contract activities.

The Position

We are looking for a highly skilled and hands‑on engineer or scientist to join our busy Contract Micromachining Laboratory team. In this role you will be developing laser micromachining processes for our customers as well as running production work for them. You will be working with our state‑of‑the‑art laser systems which have wavelengths from the UV to the IR and pulse durations of femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond as well as advanced motion control systems.

The position reports to the Senior Manager of Contract Services and works in part of a highly motivated, busy and growing team of engineers and scientists. The role is based out of the Didcot, Oxfordshire facility.

The role will suit a graduate who is keen to develop a career in a high‑tech industry. The role is focused on operating our in‑house state‑of‑the‑art laser micromachining systems and also developing new processes. It is very applications focused and is centred around one of the company’s core competencies, laser micro‑drilling. This makes the job very interesting but on the other hand the high demand for our services means that work must adhere to strict deadlines. During busy periods the role may involve weekend work on a rota (typically 4 – 8 hours on 1 weekend per month).

After sufficient training and experience there can be opportunities to support the testing, installation and field support of our range of micro‑machining systems.

Responsibilities

Primarily, but not limited to:

• Production of both samples and production parts together with reports.
• Ensuring that the quality of the parts produced meets or exceeds customer expectations.
• Developing laser process techniques for specific applications and customer requirements.
• Supporting the sales team with technical advice.
• Work closely with other members of the team.
• To work in accordance with safety procedures detailed within the Health and Safety manual, taking care to avoid injury to themselves and others at work.
• Working to the highest professional standards both in house and at customers sites.

Other activities which from time to time you may be required to do:

• Helping in the test, installation and support of systems world‑wide.
• To work on other applications or be deployed to other parts of the business as needs dictate.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Good degree or MSc in Lasers or Optical Engineering or Physics or Engineering or similar qualification plus equivalent practical experience
• Practical laser applications, especially micromachining is advantageous
• Some knowledge of the following
• Materials science
• Machine control software or programming
• Integration and test of complex laser systems
• Optical systems
• Good computer and IT skills
• Industrial experience preferred
• The right to work in the UK

The Person

• Should readily take ownership of their tasks and complete them with their very best endeavours and to the best of their ability.
• Should fit comfortably in a very technical environment with a highly qualified and experienced staff.
• Should enjoy working in a small organisation where he/she has a considerable level of responsibility, but also needs to perform basic tasks on occasion. Willingness to support other aspects of the business or deliver other tasks as the company may require.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• A “can do” attitude.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines either individually or as part of a team.

We Offer

Oxford Lasers is a privately owned, well‑established laser technology company with a 48-year history of innovation. It is a stimulating environment and we work internationally with a diverse range of customers and applications at the leading‑edge of our technology areas. In addition to this we offer:

• Up to 30 days holiday
• Group Personal Pension with equivalent company contribution of 6%
• Private Medical Scheme (BUPA)
• Permanent health insurance (income replacement)
• A friendly and supportive working environment working on world‑leading technology

We welcome individuals to apply for this role by filling out our online form below. Your application will be reviewed by the responsible person for the role and you will be contacted as a follow up. Oxford Lasers works with selected approved recruitment agencies as well. We are unable to accept enquiries from non-approved recruiters.

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