Systems Design Engineer at Coherent in Glasgow

Job description

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide. System Design Engineer Are you passionate about solving complex engineering challenges and developing cutting-edge laser technologies? We are seeking a Systems Design Engineer to join our growing R&D team and play a key role in the development of advanced laser systems, from early-stage feasibility through to full manufacturing release. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate across optics, electronics, software and mechanical engineering to deliver robust, high-performance products. As a Systems Design Engineer, you will drive systems engineering activities across the product lifecycle, defining requirements, managing interfaces, coordinating verification activities and identifying technical risks. You will develop a broad understanding of the complete laser system and become a key technical contributor to the successful delivery of next-generation laser products. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working across disciplines, solving challenging technical problems and influencing product design from concept to release. What You’ll Be Doing Define and develop control-system requirements for new laser-system designs, translating multidisciplinary inputs into system architectures, design constraints and control strategies. Collaborate with optical, software, electronics, mechanical and NPI teams to deliver reliable, manufacturable products that meet customer and business requirements. Create and maintain system requirements, verification plans, test specifications and supporting engineering documentation. Coordinate the development, integration and release of control-system hardware and software within wider product development programmes. Investigate prototype failures and complex system-level issues, performing structured root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. Develop broad technical expertise across laser-system design and contribute to continuous product improvement. Critically evaluate design decisions while considering manufacturing, field service, compliance and customer requirements. Apply risk-management methodologies throughout product development to identify and mitigate technical risks. Support compliance activities and product qualification against applicable standards. Lead troubleshooting activities for electronics, software and system-level issues across both development and released products. Contribute to manufacturing and field-support investigations when required. What You’ll Bring Essential Qualifications & Experience Degree in Physics, Engineering or a related scientific or technical discipline. Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments. Strong problem-solving skills with practical experience conducting structured investigations and root-cause analysis. Experience troubleshooting complex systems involving electronics, software and/or optical technologies. Ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholders. Experience working throughout the product development lifecycle. Technical Skills Good understanding of control systems incorporating electronic hardware and software. Practical knowledge of analogue electronics, including circuit debugging and fault finding. Understanding of laser-system technologies and underlying physical principles. Ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts across multiple engineering disciplines. Strong planning, organisational and prioritisation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams. Desirable Experience Experience with laser technologies such as: Fibre lasers Solid-state lase