Laser & Optical Engineers (Senior & Principal)
// Role Summary
Join QinetiQ and contribute to the future of high-energy laser technology by developing and maturing advanced laser and optical systems from concept to deployment, supporting critical UK defence programmes.
// Key Responsibilities
- Develop and mature advanced laser and optical systems across the full product lifecycle.
- Work on pioneering laser technologies for UK defence and national security.
- Opportunities for Senior and Principal Engineers to provide technical leadership.
- Utilise diverse expertise in laser engineering, optics, photonics, systems engineering, or product development.
- Join a world-class team solving complex engineering challenges with significant impact.
// Role Specification
Shape the Future of High-Energy Laser Technology at QinetiQ
This is an exciting time to join QinetiQ, following a significant £20 million investment in HELENA™, our next-generation high-energy laser source technology. We are expanding our Laser & Optical Engineering capability at our Farnborough and Malvern sites to increase research, development, and manufacturing capacity, supporting future Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) programmes for the UK and allied nations.
We are seeking experienced engineers passionate about transforming cutting-edge technology into real-world capabilities. If you excel at solving complex engineering challenges and guiding products from concept and design through manufacture, integration, and deployment, we encourage you to apply.
The Opportunity
As a member of our Laser & Optical Engineering teams, you will work on pioneering laser technologies that underpin the future of UK defence and national security. Collaborating within multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, you will develop and mature advanced laser and optical systems throughout their entire product lifecycle. Your role will span from early concept development, through design, manufacture, integration, qualification, and customer delivery, playing a vital part in transforming innovative ideas into deployable capabilities.
Whether your expertise lies in laser engineering, optics, photonics, systems engineering, or product development, you will have the chance to make a tangible impact on some of the UK's most advanced engineering programmes.
Senior & Principal Opportunities
Senior or Principal Engineers will provide technical leadership on strategically important programmes, shaping the future of QinetiQ's Laser Directed Energy capability. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the design, integration, and technical delivery of complex laser and optical systems.
- Driving product maturity from development through to manufacture and qualification.
- Shaping technology and product roadmaps, influencing future capability.
- Building trusted relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
- Mentoring and developing engineers, strengthening technical capability across the business.
- Championing engineering excellence and supporting the successful delivery of critical programmes.
At QinetiQ, we recognise and reward engineers who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, innovation, and leadership, offering clear pathways for progression as recognised technical specialists.
We're Looking For
We are particularly interested in engineers with experience in developing complex products and systems, taking them beyond research and development into manufacture or operational deployment. Experience in some of the following areas is desirable:
- Laser Engineering
- Optical Engineering
- Photonics or Electro-Optics
- Optical System Design
- Product Design & Development
- Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Production Engineering
- Systems Integration, Verification & Qualification
- Optical Modelling and Simulation
- Beam Control
- Experimental Optics
- Systems Engineering
Experience within the defence sector is welcomed but not essential. We also welcome applications from professionals in sectors such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devices, and industrial photonics, provided you have designed and delivered technically complex products.
Why QinetiQ?
Joining QinetiQ means becoming part of a community of world-class scientists, engineers, and technologists solving some of the UK's most complex engineering challenges. In return, you will benefit from:
- The opportunity to work on nationally significant programmes with real operational impact.
- Access to unique facilities, specialist equipment, and multidisciplinary expertise.
- A collaborative environment where innovation and technical excellence are valued.
- Ongoing professional development, mentoring, and support towards professional registration.
- Clear technical career pathways, including progression through our Fellowship Scheme.
If you are looking for a role where you can influence the future of high-energy laser technology and see your work make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.