About the job
The Aerospace and Defence engineering team at NKT Photonics Ltd in Southampton UK are at the forefront of development of the next generation fibre laser systems for exciting new applications in the defence and space sectors. We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Principal Optical Engineer to help push our cutting-edge laser technology to the next level. Our customers are using our laser sources in a diverse range of applications from target acquisition and directed energy weapons to quantum navigation and optical satellite communications. The huge growth forecast in these emerging new laser applications offers an exciting career opportunity and the chance to join a dynamic team of experts. As an experienced optical scientist or engineer you will have a high level of hands-on experience with fibre and free space optics and ideally have a PhD level degree or equivalent experience in a R&D or industrial environment.
About the role
This is a busy and varied role and includes researching, designing, developing and manufacturing prototype laser systems and equipment to meet demanding customer requirements. You will be leading several laser projects concurrently and will need to ensure effective communication with other members of the team as well as related areas of the business and external partners. Your day to day responsibilities will include:
· Coming up with new customer driven concepts and designs for laser systems within our Aerospace and Defence engineering team
· Assessing the initial feasibility of these ideas and driving the evaluation for product development
· Working with a multi-disciplinary team to take selected products from concept through to manufacture
· Defining and maintaining project plans, providing regular progress reports and disseminating information on new developments to the team as well as reporting results and progress to customers
· Raising and responding to technical issues and implementing corrective actions and engineering design changes
· Working towards continuous improvement in product design, working practices and cost efficiency
· Keeping up to date with changing market trends and technologies
· Mentoring and training less experienced engineers