As companies push the boundaries of technological advances in Photonics, the demand for skilled engineers continues to rise. However, for many businesses, their particular focus or specialism can make finding and hiring the right person extremely difficult. They aren’t just looking for someone who is a qualified and proven capable engineer, but often someone with specific knowledge that directly relates to the company’s scientific product portfolio. “It’s almost as if they need someone who already works for them!” In some ways, that is exactly the level and depth of experience required.

What we typically find are two distinct groups of candidates: individuals from competitor businesses in different locations or those who have specialised in their PhD research in areas closely aligned with the company’s work. There’s an added layer of complexity – these candidates must also have proven themselves in the workplace. It’s no longer just about theoretical knowledge; the question becomes, how have they made the leap from academia to the real-world product?

The excitement comes when we find that candidate who fits the bill. Often, the specificity of the role is exactly aligned with their interests and expertise, making it almost a dream job where they can take their specialised understanding and develop it further. This perfect synergy between the candidate’s passion for scientific development and the company’s goals creates a powerful opportunity for both parties.

For example, when we placed a candidate whose PhD research focused on fabricating and characterising a variety of graphene sensors, specialised towards non-contact spectroscopic and electrical gas sensing techniques. This person had spent nearly three years working in the research, development, planning, and delivery of gas sensing with stabilised lasers. When we placed this candidate into a growing early-stage company specialising in photonic gas/liquid sensor technology for oil and gas and renewable carbon capture technologies, we knew we had found the perfect match. This candidate’s passion and expertise would help the company move forward and advance its product line significantly. It’s not just about filling a role; it’s about making a connection that allows both the engineer and the company to thrive.

Tips for Candidates

1. Know Your Niche: Photonics and optics are broad fields, so make sure you are clear on your area of expertise. Whether it’s sensing technologies, lasers, or material science, find where your interests and skills align most closely with industry applications.
2. Link Theory to Application: Employers are looking for candidates who can translate academic knowledge into real-world product development. If you’ve worked on research projects, think about how those projects can apply to current technologies and industries.
3. Be Open to New Opportunities: While you may have a particular focus, be open to applying your skills in new ways. Often, the most exciting roles are those that let you explore interdisciplinary applications.
4. Communicate Your Passion: Passion is contagious. Employers are not only looking for someone who can do the job but someone who is excited about the potential to innovate and solve new challenges. Let your enthusiasm for the field shine through in your interviews.

Tips for Employers

1. Embrace Specialised Knowledge: Understand that finding candidates with the exact blend of theoretical expertise and practical experience may take time. Be open to candidates who bring deep knowledge in niche areas but be prepared to invest in further development if needed.
2. Foster Growth Opportunities: Photonics is a dynamic field with constant innovation. Offer candidates the chance to grow within your organisation by providing access to ongoing research, development projects, and cutting-edge technologies. Make it clear that the role is a pathway for further discovery and contribution.
3. Look Beyond Traditional Experience: Don’t just focus on industry experience. Candidates from academia can bring valuable insight into research, development, and product innovation. Look for a candidate’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
4. Create an Inclusive Culture: Ensure that your company has a collaborative and inclusive environment where both seasoned professionals and newcomers can thrive. Cultivating an atmosphere of shared learning and growth benefits both the individual and the team.

Finding the right optical engineer is often more than just a hiring decision – it’s about making a meaningful connection between a candidate’s passion for scientific advancement and a company’s ambition to push the boundaries of technology. When you place a candidate who is not only qualified but is also deeply invested in the company’s mission, you create a dynamic that drives innovation and success for all involved. The challenge is great, but the reward is even greater. For both candidates and employers, the key is to find the perfect fit – where skills, passion, and goals align to build something extraordinary.

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