Lead Photonics Engineer – Laser Systems

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an innovative technology company developing next-generation photonic systems for advanced computing applications.

The company is looking for an experienced Lead Photonics Engineer to take ownership of the design, development and industrialisation of highly stable, low-noise laser systems. This is a senior technical leadership position combining system architecture, hands-on laboratory work, cross-functional collaboration and the transition of complex optical systems from research and prototyping into volume production.

You will have access to advanced optical laboratory facilities, custom integrated photonic devices, a multidisciplinary engineering team and the resources to drive ambitious technical programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Roadmap: Define the technical architecture, subsystem requirements, development roadmap and comprehensive validation strategy.

• Hands-on Engineering & Integration: Lead experimental development and validation of critical optical systems, coordinating technical activities to meet performance requirements.

• Laser Stability & Control: Integrate laser hardware, control electronics and feedback systems to achieve demanding frequency, noise and stability targets.

• Product Development & Industrialisation: Develop design-for-manufacturing, design-for-test and design-for-reliability strategies to transition prototypes into production-ready systems.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Coordinate with electronics, firmware, mechanical and systems engineering teams to ensure successful integration and clearly defined technical interfaces.

• Supplier & Procurement Management: Manage technical supplier relationships, define specifications and statements of work, lead make-versus-buy decisions, and establish reliable supply chains for specialist photonic components.

• Risk & Programme Management: Identify and mitigate technical and delivery risks, maintain development timelines and establish contingency plans for critical components and processes.

Essential Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in high-performance photonics, with strong expertise in semiconductor lasers, optical amplification and electro-optic modulators.

• Proven experience balancing high-power optical subsystems, thermal management, noise performance and system stability, including relative intensity noise (RIN) and phase noise.

• Strong background in laser frequency stabilisation, high-bandwidth feedback and servo control loops, and RF/microwave engineering for pulsed optical systems.

• Demonstrated experience managing technical suppliers, defining statements of work, evaluating make-versus-buy options and scaling supply chains for custom photonic components.

• Experience with photonic integrated circuit testing, system integration and deployment at scale.

• A proven track record in new product introduction (NPI) for complex optical systems, including experimental validation, troubleshooting and design-for-manufacturing.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Oliver Logan