Coherent UK
Principal Development Engineer
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Coherent Corp is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and materials technologies. Our innovations power semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and precision industrial systems worldwide. With a global footprint and cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D, we’re shaping the future of high-tech industries.
In Scotland, our site is a key centre for laser and ultrafast laser technology, specialising in the development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of advanced laser systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications. Working closely with teams across our global network, we combine deep engineering expertise with collaborative innovation to deliver high-performance, reliable laser solutions with real-world impact.
Principal Development Engineer
The Role
We are looking for an exceptional Lead or Principal Laser Development Engineer to help define the next generation of ultrafast laser technology at Coherent.
This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in solid-state and ultrafast laser design while working on technically challenging programmes that will define future Coherent products. You will provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary engineering teams, taking ownership of major laser subsystems or complete laser architectures from initial feasibility through to successful product release. Working alongside optical, mechanical, electronics, and software engineers, you will lead experimental investigations, develop innovative technical solutions, and guide design decisions through rigorous analysis and hands-on laboratory work. You will use your technical judgement to overcome complex engineering challenges, mentor colleagues, and help shape the technical direction of development programmes.
This role extends beyond laboratory development. You will work closely with manufacturing, operations, applications engineering, product management, and customers to understand requirements, translate customer needs into product capabilities, and influence future technology roadmaps. You will be involved throughout the complete product lifecycle—from early feasibility studies and proof-of-concept demonstrators through detailed design, verification, validation, and manufacturing transfer. Throughout this process, you will collaborate with ultrafast laser specialists across Coherent's global engineering organisation, sharing expertise and helping develop technologies that will be deployed worldwide.
We work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where innovation and engineering excellence must be balanced with delivering products to market. Success requires curiosity, adaptability, strong teamwork, and the ability to make sound technical decisions while maintaining momentum across multiple concurrent development programmes.
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What you will be doing...
- Provide technical leadership for the development of advanced ultrafast laser systems and key optical subsystems.
- Lead the design, construction, and optimisation of breadboard laser systems to demonstrate new technologies and validate performance.
- Plan, execute, and evaluate feasibility studies, using experimental evidence to guide technical decisions.
- Translate laboratory concepts into robust, reliable, and manufacturable commercial products.
- Lead complex technical investigations and root cause analysis, applying sound engineering judgement to overcome development challenges.
- Mentor and coach engineers, supporting their technical development and promoting engineering best practice.
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including optics, mechanics, electronics, software, manufacturing, and applications engineering.
- Define technical specifications for critical laser components and support supplier selection and technical evaluation.
- Provide technical support throughout the product lifecycle, including development, manufacturing, and customer-facing activities.
- Prepare and present clear technical reports, design reviews, and project updates to engineering and business stakeholders.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Coherent's global engineering organisation to share knowledge, leverage expertise, and accelerate product development.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, helping the team deliver innovative products efficiently while maintaining high technical standards.
About You
- PhD, or equivalent industrial experience involving the design, development, or optimisation of solid-state laser systems.
- Extensive practical experience designing and developing diode-pumped solid-state laser systems, including rod, slab, or thin-disk architectures.
- Strong understanding of ultrafast laser physics, pulse generation, and optimisation within bulk, fibre, or hybrid laser systems.
- Demonstrable experience designing, building, and characterising complex experimental laser systems and successfully translating these into commercial products.
- Experience using optical and electronic diagnostic equipment, including power meters, spectrometers, autocorrelators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analysers.
- Experience using optical modelling software such as Zemax and/or developing numerical models using custom software.
- Good understanding of electronic systems and control architectures.
- Good understanding of high-stability optomechanics.
- Excellent analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical decisions and communicate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to manage multiple technical priorities while maintaining.
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Skills & Other Requirements
- A passion for solving challenging technical problems through practical engineering and scientific investigation.
- Strong technical judgement supported by analytical thinking and data-driven decision making.
- The ability to lead technical activities while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- A proactive approach with the ability to adapt quickly as project priorities evolve.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with engineers, management, and customers.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance multiple development activities and deliver against demanding project timescales.
- A commitment to mentoring others and developing technical capability within the wider engineering team.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- A desire to continuously learn, share knowledge, and contribute to a culture of engineering excellence.
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:
🤝 Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
✨ Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
🎯 Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
🌍 Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
🚀 Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
APPLICATION & SELECTION
Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials, and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity, and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
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