Junior Laser Applications Engineer

Job DescriptionJunior Laser Applications Development Engineer Location: Oxfordshire Salary: £30,000-£40,000 Sector: Advanced Technology / Laser Processing / Semiconductor & Solar Level: Graduate / Junior Mploy Group is recruiting for a Junior Laser Applications Development Engineer to join a highly innovative technology business developing advanced laser-based manufacturing processes and equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for a Physics, Applied Physics or related Engineering graduate who enjoys practical experimentation and wants to build a career working with cutting-edge laser technology. The position is heavily hands-on and laboratory focused. You’ll work with short-pulse solid-state lasers, optical systems and advanced beam delivery technology, developing and optimising laser-material processing techniques for high-technology manufacturing applications. Working alongside experienced physicists and engineers, you’ll have the opportunity to develop deep expertise in laser processing while contributing to technology that ultimately moves from laboratory development into industrial production environments. The Role You will investigate how different materials respond to laser processing, designing experiments and analysing results to establish the optimum parameters for different applications. The role combines physics, optics, materials science and practical engineering, with exposure to software, electronics and process control. Key responsibilities will include: * Designing and conducting laser-material interaction experiments * Operating short-pulse solid-state laser systems and beam delivery equipment * Developing and optimising laser processing parameters * Using microscopy, metrology and diagnostic equipment to analyse results * Investigating the relationship between laser parameters, material properties and process outcomes * Applying fundamental physics principles to practical engineering challenges * Supporting the development of process control equipment and methodologies * Analysing experimental data and identifying trends and improvements * Maintaining accurate experimental records, methodologies and technical documentation * Communicating findings clearly to engineering and technical teams * Supporting the transition of successful processes towards industrial applications * Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and technology teams * Supporting international projects where required About You We are particularly interested in candidates who genuinely enjoy experimental science. You should be someone who wants to understand why something happens rather than simply whether it works. You will ideally have: * BSc, MPhys, MSc or equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics or a closely related Engineering discipline * Strong understanding of optics and fundamental physics * Knowledge of materials science, including thermodynamics, phase changes or material structures * A practical, hands-on approach to experimentation * Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to collecting and analysing data * Natural curiosity and enthusiasm for science and engineering * An interest in mechanics, electronics and software alongside core physics * Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly * Willingness to learn from experienced engineers and scientists Desirable Experience Any of the following would be beneficial but are not essential, particularly for graduate applicants: * Academic, internship or commercial experience working with lasers or optical systems * Optical alignment experience * Microscopy, metrology or laboratory measurement techniques * Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW * Hardware control or experimental automation * Mechanical design or practical mechanical engineering * Semiconductor, electronics or photovoltaic technology exposure * Mandarin language skills Why Apply? This is an opportunity to move into a specialist area of laser applications and advanced manufacturing technology while receiving significant technical mentorship. Rather than joining in a purely theoretical capacity, you’ll be directly involved in experimentation, process development and solving real-world engineering problems. The organisation operates internationally, so there may also be opportunities for occasional overseas travel to support technology transfer, projects, site visits and conferences. For a Physics graduate who enjoys being in the lab, experimenting with technology and understanding the science behind advanced manufacturing processes, this offers an excellent platform to develop into a specialist Laser Applications Engineer. Please apply to find out more