Team Leader - Optical Engineering

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 with responsibility for managing a team of engineers and leading several laser projects concurrently. In this role you and your team will be researching, designing, developing and manufacturing prototype laser systems and equipment to meet demanding customer requirements, as such you 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:

· Managing work allocation for team members, external contractors and suppliers

· Identifying capabilities within the team, and putting plans in place to address any skills gaps

· Recruiting, mentoring and developing team members

· 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

· Leading on projects, 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

About you

We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer with a flair for project/team management. You will need to have a PhD in optics, physics or similar or an undergraduate degree in science or engineering with relevant experience. You will also need a minimum of 10 years' experience in the development of optical solutions, and a high level of hands-on experience with free space laser optics and fibre optics. The ideal candidate will have:

· Demonstrable experience of leading and developing teams

· Strong organisational skills to be able to work on multiple concurrent projects and activities

· A strong track record of designing innovative solutions to build effective products that meet customer requirements

· Specialist knowledge of the physics of fibre and/or bulk laser technology

· Excellent understanding of optical, electronic and mechanical requirements for industrial reliability

· Experience of programming, modelling and statistical analysis

You will be skilled at communicating and collaborating across other engineering disciplines and at all levels of the organisation and will have excellent data analysis and problem-solving skills. A high level of attention to detail and commitment to quality and reliability is essential in this role.

Additional requirements

Business English is required. You may also be required to travel up to 10% annually, potentially globally.

Join us!

NKT Photonics is a dynamic, international high-tech company and a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of high-performance lasers and photonics. We employ some of the best and most creative people in our industry and they have helped to make us one of the fastest growing and most innovative photonics companies in the world.

Our employees are our biggest asset. Our great co-workers are the top reason we all love working at NKT Photonics. Together, we tackle complex challenges and dig into unexplored territories. We welcome all ideas and backgrounds and encourage a healthy work-life balance.

We embrace uniqueness. With more than 30 nationalities, we are a diverse group. But we have a lot in common. We are curious, respectful, and we aim to make a difference in the World. We need the sharpest minds in the industry to help us accelerate development. Join us! Together, we can make an impact.

Benefits of working with us include 25 days' annual leave, pension, life insurance, private medical cover, dental cover, BUPA wellbeing cash plan, a range of other wellness benefits, employee discounts, free car parking, and family friendly policies.

If you wish to apply, please contact us with your CV. If you have a cover letter, please save this in one document with your CV as you are only able to upload one document. We look forward to hearing from you!

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