Laser Applications Engineer

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 particle 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• Good degree or MSc in Lasers or Optical Engineering or Physics or Engineering or similar qualification plus equivalent practical experience
• Practical laser applications,…