Laser & Optical Engineering Teams

QinetiQ's Laser & Optical Engineering teams in Farnborough and Malvern are expanding and seeking talented Laser & Optical Engineers to join their subject matter expert teams.

In this role, you will leverage your experience in optical systems and engineering delivery to support the development, integration, and qualification of cutting-edge High Energy Laser products and systems. You will be instrumental in translating advanced research into deployable, high-performance solutions. QinetiQ offers training and development in High Energy Laser technologies as part of your career progression.

What do the Laser & Optical Engineering teams do?

Our teams are at the forefront of QinetiQ’s contribution to the UK’s Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) programmes, alongside other world-leading photonics-based capabilities. We operate across the entire product lifecycle, employing a gate-stage approach that spans from early-stage research and prototypes through to integrated, qualified, and field-deployable systems.

As part of the team, you will:

• Design, develop, and mature electro-optical and optomechanical subsystems.
• Apply systems engineering principles across the delivery lifecycle.
• Support product development, integration, verification, and qualification activities.
• Build and operate experimental and prototype systems.
• Support the introduction of products into manufacturing.
• Contribute to technical strategy and innovation roadmaps.
• Support business growth through technical inputs to bids and proposals.

Career Development at QinetiQ

QinetiQ provides flexible and varied career paths. You can choose to:

• Develop deep expertise in a specialist domain.
• Work across multiple programmes and system levels.
• Progress into technical delivery leadership or functional line-management roles.

With growing demand for Laser & Optical Engineers, your skills and experience will be highly valued and continuously developed.

What kind of person are we looking for?

We are seeking individuals who:

• Are passionate about photonics, lasers, and optical systems.
• Possess a strong engineering mindset focused on product delivery and real-world application.
• Can learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoy solving complex technical challenges.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Early Career Opportunities

If you are at the beginning of your engineering career and have experience in lasers or optics, we encourage you to apply. You may have experience in areas such as:

• Optical design and modelling.
• Laser systems or photonics technologies.
• Machine vision and control systems.
• Sensing and detection technologies.
• Test, evaluation, and experimental methods.

Typical responsibilities for early career roles include:

• Supporting the development, integration, and testing of optical systems.
• Producing technical reports and presenting results.
• Contributing to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Supporting trials and field deployments across the UK.

You will receive structured development and mentoring to accelerate your growth.

Mid-Career Opportunities

As an experienced engineer, you will contribute from day one to the delivery of complex, high-value systems. In addition to core engineering responsibilities, you will:

• Lead or contribute to product development and qualification activities.
• Define and manage technical work packages.
• Support and write technical proposals and bids.
• Engage directly with customers and stakeholders.
• Influence project technical direction and delivery.

You will also have opportunities to develop into technical leadership and project leadership roles.

Senior & Principal Opportunities

As a senior engineer, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering QinetiQ’s LDEW strategy, with a strong emphasis on system-level integration, product maturity, and operational capability. Responsibilities include:

• Providing technical leadership across programmes.
• Driving system design, integration, and qualification strategies.
• Leading customer engagements and high-impact deliveries.
• Shaping technology and product roadmaps.
• Mentoring and developing engineering teams.

Our Fellowship scheme recognises and supports individuals with deep technical expertise and leadership capability.

Important Information

All applicants must be eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance as a minimum. Individuals who already hold suitable clearance may be able to transfer it, subject to approval. Please note that some roles are subject to access restrictions related to nationality and security requirements.