TL;DR
Key Takeaways
- Gain hands-on experience in Photonics design and development during a 13-week summer placement.
- Work on real-world projects, contributing to laser/optical design and lab integration.
- Must be working towards a Master's level degree in Physics or a related science/engineering discipline.
- Placement runs from 1st June 2027 to 27th August 2027 in Edinburgh.
- Benefits include pro-rata annual leave, pension scheme, and access to online learning.
About the Role
This is a 13-week, full-time summer placement for undergraduate students within Leonardo's Advanced Targeting line of business, focusing on Photonics within the Engineering Team.
What You'll Do
- Support the design and development of world and electro-optic products under the guidance of experienced Optical Engineers.
- Utilise state-of-the-art methods, technology, and tools across the development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, build, and product support.
- Contribute directly to the development and delivery of Laser/Optical design, including lens design and optical ray tracing.
- Conduct performance modelling, including tolerancing and finite element modelling, and problem-solve technical issues.
- Undertake hands-on lab and integration work with solid-state lasers or fibre optics.
- Perform verification testing and problem-solving within complex assemblies.
- Receive tailored training in technical skills and gain wider business knowledge through awareness sessions.
- Apply technical and soft skills gained from your degree course in an industry setting.
What You'll Bring
- Working towards a master’s level degree, typically in Physics, or other physical sciences or engineering disciplines.
- Relevant photonics experience (e.g., laboratory work, previous summer placements or internships).
- Experience with technical writing and project planning.
- Strong analytical, modelling, and laboratory skills.
- Evidence of successfully working in a team.
- Enthusiasm for photonics and a desire to develop your skills.
- Desirable: Experience with modelling tools such as Zemax Optics Studio, Matlab, LabVIEW, and COMSOL (or equivalent).
- Ideally in your penultimate year.
Security Clearance
- Many roles are subject to security requirements and export control restrictions.
- Successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information, and employment/education history verification for the previous five years (BPSS).
- More sensitive posts may require National Security Vetting (NSV), which generally requires continuous UK residency for the previous five years (SC level) or ten years (DV level). Overseas time may be accepted in some circumstances.
Benefits
- Pro-rata annual leave allowance (25 days plus bank holidays).
- Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks.
- Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
Key Dates
- Placement runs from 1st June 2027 to 27th August 2027.
- Encouraged to spend at least three days each week on site.
Location
- Edinburgh, GB
- Hybrid working is available.