Laser Directed Energy Engineer - Bristol

Technical Engineering
Ref: 10510 Date Posted: Wednesday 09 Sep 2026

Salary                  Circa £53,000 + excellent benefits

Location              Bristol | Hybrid, 3 days on-site

Want to work on technology that is moving from the laboratory to the frontline?

We are looking for a Laser Directed Energy Engineer to join a specialist engineering team developing a next-generation directed energy system.

This is not a long-term research project. You will help turn advanced laser technology into a rugged, reliable and deployable system, working across requirements, performance analysis, design, certification and system integration.

What you will be doing

  • Applying your knowledge of laser physics and optics to complex system development.
  • Developing and refining system requirements and performance analysis.
  • Supporting design, certification and final system integration.
  • Performing system capability trades to optimise performance and product quality.
  • Working with specialist scientists and engineers across the wider system.
  • Translating complex technical challenges into practical engineering solutions.
  • Communicating technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Helping develop a cutting-edge technology from advanced prototype towards deployment.

What we are looking for

You will ideally have:

  • A PhD or significant industry experience in laser technology at system level.
  • Experience with high-power lasers would be highly advantageous.
  • Strong knowledge of laser physics and optics.
  • Experience of developing complex, mission-critical or highly regulated systems.
  • The ability to analyse complex problems and make informed technical trade-offs.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
  • A proactive, persistent approach to problem-solving and delivery.
  • Experience within defence would be advantageous, but is not essential.

The package

Salary: Circa £53,000 depending on experience | Hybrid working: 3 days per week on-site | Company bonus up to £2,500 | Pension contribution up to 14% total |Paid overtime opportunities | Up to 15 days Flexi Leave | Flexible working arrangements | Enhanced parental leave | Subsidised meals and free parking | Healthcare Cash Plan

Interested? If you have the laser, optics or systems engineering expertise to help turn pioneering technology into a deployable capability, this could be your next move.

Security
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be British Citizens or Dual UK Nationals with British citizenship and will be required to undergo security clearance checks.

Cirrus Selection — specialist recruiters to the engineering and technology sectors, offers the services of an Employment Agency for permanent recruitment and the services of an Employment Business for contract recruitment.