Job Title:  Senior Laser & Optical Scientist

Package:   Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role ID:     SF19484 

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Laser Scientist at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role
As a Senior Laser Scientist, you’ll play a vital role in advancing QinetiQ’s research into next-generation laser and optical technologies, directly contributing to the development of innovative defence and commercial solutions.

Day-to-day, you’ll work alongside a team of physicists and engineers to design, model, and test novel optical systems. You’ll take ownership of work packages focused on high-energy laser development, applying your experience in optical physics to analyse system performance, evaluate designs, and ensure technical excellence. You’ll also collaborate across teams in Farnborough and Malvern, contribute to experimental setups and laboratory testing, and share your expertise to support training and mentoring as the team expands its laser technology capability.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and technical leadership of projects as appropriate
• Planning, development, and deployment of optical systems
• Providing input to larger projects as part of a team of subject matter experts
• Undertaking technical tasks relating to HEL development, test and evaluation
• Engaging with relevant stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds
• Support of and input to the QinetiQ technical strategy
• Deployment to trial sites across the UK.

Essential experience of the Senior Laser Scientist: 

• Experience in the use and develop of CNN/Machine learning or other such technologies, and their application to coherent beam combination
• A strong foundation in laser and optical physics, with hands-on expertise in optical design and a clear understanding of material and coating selection
• Demonstratable experience planning and delivering complex technical projects while applying structured systems engineering principles
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders to define, capture, and interpret complex technical requirements
• Practical knowledge of beam combination techniques within advanced optical or laser systems
• A thorough understanding of laser safety practices and standards, working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and communicating with clarity and confidence

Essential qualifications for the Senior Laser Scientist:

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. Laser Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline)

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you. 

This role is 37 hours per week based at Farnborough.

Farnborough

At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state-of-the-art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation. Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, Group Functions Teams and many more to provide future defences in the UK.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture. www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Our Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

Our Recruitment Process:

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported.  If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)