Oxford Lasers Ltd is a high technology company headquartered in Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. The company designs and manufactures complete laser micro-machining systems, supplies subcontract laser micro-machining services and carries out after sales services.
The laser systems come in two groups; micromachining and imaging. Micro-machining systems use a laser beam to perform a wide variety of micro-machining tasks in many different materials and for many different applications. Imaging systems use a laser, specialist camera and software to produce an instrument capable of measuring and analysing very small, fast moving particles sizes, speeds, sprays etc for a range of applications in the pharmaceutical and other industries.
The company was founded in 1977 as a spin-out from Oxford University and still retains its unique skills in laser technology and applications. The company has an active R&D programme and aims to be world-leading in its chosen fields. Our customers are mainly international.
Oxford Lasers is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Background to the position
The Micro-machining Division of the company operates across a broad range of applications and this is supported by a number of applications and development engineers. The Division is involved with applications ranging from 24/7 production processes to newly developed via grant funded R&D projects. Oxford Lasers’ technology is world-leading in many areas of laser micro-machining.
The Micro-machining Division supplies integrated, complex laser micro-machining systems to high-tech companies and universities throughout the world. The company also operates a very successful Laser Micro-machining Subcontract service. This role underpins both systems and sub-contract activities.
We are looking for a highly skilled and hands-on engineer or scientist to join our busy Contract Micromachining Laboratory team. In this varied role you will be developing laser micromachining processes for our customers as well as running production work for them. You will be working with our state-of-the-art laser systems which have wavelengths from the UV to the IR and pulse durations of femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond as well as advanced motion control systems.
The position reports to the Contract Micromachining Laboratory Manager and works in part of a highly motivated, busy and growing team of engineers and scientists.
The role will suit an individual who is keen to develop a career in high-tech industry. The role is focused on operating, maintaining and improving our in-house state-of-the-art laser micromachining systems, and also developing new processes. It is very applications focused and the range of applications and customers is very diverse. This makes the job very interesting but on the other hand the high demand for our services means that work must adhere to strict deadlines. During busy periods the role may involve weekend work on a rota (typically 4 - 8 hours on 1 weekend per month).
After sufficient training and experience there can be opportunities to support the testing, installation and field support of our range of micro-machining systems.
The role may involve international travel, sometimes at short notices.
Responsibilities. Primarily, but not limited to
- Developing processes and techniques for specific applications and customer requirements.
- Production of Sub-Contract samples and production parts together with reports.
- Ensuring that the quality of the parts produced meets or exceeds customer expectations.
- Performing maintenance, upgrades and validating performance of the laser micromachining tools in the department.
- Contributing to both process and equipment continuous improvement efforts.
- Supporting the sales team with technical advice and helping as required in face to face meetings with customers.
- Work closely with other members of the team.
- To work in accordance with safety procedures detailed within the Health and Safety manual, taking care to avoid injury to themselves and others at work.
- Working to the highest professional standards both in house and at customers sites
Other activities which from time to time you may be required to do are :
- Helping in the test, installation and support of systems world-wide.
- To work on other applications or be deployed to other parts of the business as needs dictate.
Education, Experience & Skills
- Good degree or MSc in Lasers or Optical Engineering or Physics or Engineering or similar qualification plus equivalent practical experience
- Practical laser applications, especially micromachining is advantageous
- Some knowledge of the following
- Laser micro-machining
- Integration and test of complex laser systems
- Machine control software or programming
- Materials science
- Metrology, microscopes, SEMs etc
- Optical systems
- Good computer and IT skills
- Industrial experience preferred
- Should readily take ownership of their tasks and complete them with their very best endeavours and to the best of their ability.
- Should fit comfortably in a very technical environment with a highly qualified and experienced staff.
- Should enjoy working in a small organisation where he/she has a considerable level of responsibility, but also needs to perform basic tasks on occasion. Willingness to support other aspects of the business or deliver other tasks as the company may require.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision
- A “can do” attitude.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines either individually or as part of a team.
Oxford Lasers is an established laser company with 40 years history. It is a stimulating environment and we work with a diverse range of customers and applications and at the leading-edge of our technology areas. In addition to this we offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Up to 30 days holiday
- Group Personal Pension with equivalent company contribution of 6%
- Private Medical Scheme (BUPA)
- Permanent health insurance (income replacement)
- Death in service benefit.
- A friendly and supportive working environment working on world-leading technology