Technical Sales Engineer

Role: Technical Sales Engineer Laser Manufacturing

Location: Riccarton Campus Edinburgh

Salary: Gradeper annum

Contract Type: Full-Time(1FTE) Fixed Term (12 months)

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days.

Full Description

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a highly motivated optical engineer to join our photonics research team as a Technical Sales Engineer with a planned transition to a university spin-out company Freeform Photonics in July 2027.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge optical technology development in an academic environment and then move directly into a high-growth commercial venture.

The Role

• Experimental optical engineering and laser-based glass manufacturing. You will work within a team at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh developing and manufacturing products for external customer applications.
• Active involvement with the sales and commercial team including:

1. Attending international trade shows
2. Preparing reports and presentations for customers
3. Meeting with global customers to understand their requirements and gather feedback on samples
4. Supporting customer engagement and technical sales activities

• Development testing and characterisation of advanced optical/photonics systems.
• Close collaboration with academic and industrial partners
• From July 2027 expected transition into a technical sales role at Freeform Photonics contributing to technology translation and commercial growth.

Essential Requirements

• PhD (ideal) or minimum MSc in Optics Photonics or a closely related field.
• Strong experimental background and confidence working independently in an optics laboratory.
• Genuine interest in commercialisation and contributing to sales activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of English language proficiency/
• Willingness and enthusiasm for international travel (trade shows and customer visits).
• Motivation to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

What We Offer

• Opening to work in a leading photonics research environment with a defined pathway into an exciting university spin-out company.
• Exposure to both advanced R&D and customer-facing commercial activity.
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping a growing photonics business.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system and should include a (1) cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post and a (2) Full CV.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will close once a suitable candidate is found. The final deadline will be 15 July 2026.

For further information and an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Calum Ross via email:

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and encourages applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website ( and our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.