Over recent years, we have worked with numerous clients to help them recruit Laser Engineers. From junior engineers fresh out of university, having only spent a term working in labs using and calibrating lasers as part of their physics degree, to senior engineers with extensive industry experience—some even international professionals moving to the UK to join our growing photonics industry.

It’s inspiring to see the increasing number of universities producing highly capable candidates ready to dive into the industry. From Southampton to London, Bristol, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow, St Andrews, and up to Aberdeen, there are numerous courses producing undergraduates with a strong interest in lasers and optical physics. The innovation these young engineers bring is crucial to the ongoing success and growth of the field.

Moreover, many PhD courses (such as the PIADs course across Glasgow, Queen’s University Belfast, and Cork in Ireland) are producing specialists who are at the cutting edge of technology. Many PhD graduates quickly establish themselves as subject matter experts, driving both commercial and scientific innovation within the companies they join.

One of the most fascinating shifts in recent years is the development of fiber optic technology with advancements that make lasers not only more accessible but also more scalable, opening doors for integration into consumer electronics and industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

However, the demand for skilled professionals capable of advancing these technologies continues to grow. The need for innovators who will drive the future of lasers and make them more user-friendly for the everyday consumer is more urgent than ever. The excitement of these advancements is tempered by a crucial challenge: the growth of design and R&D teams. Many of the current R&D teams are still relatively small and lack the capacity to train and develop junior engineers.

This lack of development opportunities is why many junior engineers look to move on to other companies, in search of better prospects for career growth. As we ask candidates about their motivations, the opportunity to learn and grow consistently emerges as one of the key factors in their decision-making process.

Tips for Employers

To stay competitive and attract top talent, employers in the laser engineering space need to address this challenge head-on. Here are a few key tips:

1. Nurture and Develop Your R&D Engineers: It’s important to offer a supportive environment where junior engineers can develop their skills. Encourage mentorship, hands-on learning, and cross-team collaboration. By offering a pathway for growth, you’ll keep talented individuals on board for the long-term.
2. Demonstrate Learning and Development Opportunities: When recruiting, it’s essential to clearly communicate what engineers will learn and how they will develop within your company—not just what tasks they will perform. Engineers are not just looking for a job, they’re looking for a place to grow their careers and evolve as experts in the field.
3. Invest in Professional Development: Offer opportunities for engineers to attend conferences, workshops, and other industry events. Exposure to new research and technologies can be incredibly valuable, and employees will appreciate the investment in their professional growth.

Tips for Candidates

For candidates looking to break into the laser engineering field, here are some tips for success:

1. Highlight Your Passion and Willingness to Learn: Employers are looking for candidates who are excited about the future of technology and have a genuine interest in advancing the field. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for and hands on knowledge of lasers, optics, and the role they play in various industries.
2. Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Laser engineers are often tasked with solving complex technical challenges. Whether you’ve worked on projects in academia or in previous roles, emphasise your ability to think critically and approach problems creatively.
3. Seek Out Networking Opportunities: Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with other engineers in the field. Building a network will help you stay informed about the latest trends and developments and can open doors to new job opportunities.
4. Focus on Continuous Learning: Given the rapid pace of innovation in the laser industry, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Engage in self-learning, take online courses, and seek out certifications to continue building your expertise.

Conclusion

As an experienced recruiter, I’ve seen first-hand the critical role laser engineers play in driving innovation and technology forward. By fostering a culture of development and continuous learning, both employers and candidates can help shape the future of this ever-evolving field.

Whether you’re an employer looking to recruit top-tier talent or a candidate eager to contribute to the next big technological breakthrough, there are opportunities and matches out there but a combined willingness to develop together is needed.

Enigma People Solutions is an award-winning technology recruitment consultancy. We find technical leaders for the emerging and enabling technology industries. Visit our services page for more information. Visit our job search page for the latest vacancies in photonics, electronics, semiconductor, software and IoT in Scotland and the UK. Check out our blog page for the latest in the technology industry. You can get in touch with us hello@enigmapeople.com or call us on + 44 131 510 8150