System Engineer

Laser Systems Engineer

Defence

Are you seeking an opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced technology, contributing to a ground-breaking capability of significant strategic and national relevance? A leading UK-based defence technology organisation is expanding its team and is inviting applications from highly capable individuals to support a pioneering programme.

Working pattern:
Hybrid approach, with approximately three days per week on-site due to the classified nature of the work.

Security requirements:
Applicants must hold British citizenship (dual nationality acceptable where British citizenship is held).

Please note that nationality restrictions and right-to-work conditions may apply. All successful applicants will be required to complete UK government baseline security vetting (BPSS) following an offer of employment, administered by the organisation's internal security function.

Following the award of a major defence contract, the organisation is delivering the UK’s first operational laser‑based directed energy weapon system for deployment on naval platforms within the next two years.

Building on this milestone, the team is continuing the evolution of this capability into a fully deployable, world‑class air defence solution. The programme involves multiple concurrent development streams spanning experimental research, advanced engineering, and rapid system maturation. This creates opportunities to work across core systems engineering disciplines, including requirements definition, design development, performance modelling, verification, and certification.

• Doctoral‑level qualifications or equivalent industrial experience in laser technology development at system level
• Deep knowledge of laser physics and optical systems, with the capability to shape and influence advanced system designs
• Strong communication skills, enabling effective technical dialogue across a wide range of stakeholders
• Proven experience explaining complex laser and optical concepts to audiences ranging from senior leadership and subject matter experts to systems engineers and non‑technical partners
• Ability to build and sustain productive working relationships with customers, collaborators, and internal teams
• A problem‑solving mindset, resilience in the face of technical challenges, and a strong focus on delivering high‑quality outcomes

• High‑power laser systems or related technologies
• Requirements capture, specification development, and technical justification
• System validation, assurance, and certification activities
• Development of complex engineered systems, preferably within a defence or safety‑critical context
• Translating functional needs into structured system, subsystem, and equipment‑level requirements
• Familiarity with systems engineering and architecture tools such as DOORS, DOORS NG, or Rhapsody