SCIENCE CAREERS

Walter Lubeig, Laser Engineer

What is your role and how did you arrive at your current position?
I’m a laser engineer within M Squared’s innovation group, and as such I’m doing many things in parallel. Currently, my primary focus is the development of one of M Squared’s new products. I used to be a lecturer with my own research group at the University of Strathclyde, but increasingly I found myself wanting to experience life working in industry, life working outside academia.

What time do you wake up?
Most days, I’m in charge of my children’s morning routine – that’s a taxing and stressful task in itself – so I get up about 6:30 am.

When do you start?
I usually arrive at work around 8.30 am.

I interact with people who have different backgrounds and areas of expertise. These interactions are both rewarding and inspiring

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
I quickly shower and catch up with the team.

What attracted you to your career?
I’ve always had a passion for optics and engineering, so I decided to be a laser engineer.

What have been your biggest challenges in this role?
I think my greatest challenge has been learning how to multi-task efficiently – M Squared is a busy place.

Describe your workspace.
I have two workspaces because I’m doing both practical lab-based work as well as desk-based activities – it gives me plenty of variety.

What kind of tools do you work with?
Well, whatever you typically find on a laser bench (and a desk).

Who do you interact most with?
I get involved with other laser engineers mostly, as well as other colleagues in the Innovation team. I work in close collaboration with many very experienced scientists, and there’s always a lot to learn from them. I also sometimes deal with suppliers, especially when I am building new things.

How often do you get out of the office?
I occasionally travel to conferences in the UK and Europe, and I travel to meet up with partners and collaborators. I’m out of the office on business around five times a year.

What do you most look forward to each day?
My current position means that I interact with people who have different backgrounds and areas of expertise. These interactions are both rewarding and inspiring. Outside of work I enjoy my commute to work by bicycle. I used to do a lot of sport, but sadly don’t get to do much these days, so I tend to treat my commuting as an opportunity to keep my body fit and mind sane!

What or who inspires you?
One of my former mentors used to say that if you decide to do something, you should give your best and I try to give my best in whatever I do whether it’s at home, at work or on a sports field. Who inspires me most today? Of course, it has to be my wife.

What do you do for lunch?
I go for a quick walk (or sometimes a slow run).

Describe your best day at work to date.
It was building the first prototype of the laser we’ve been working on and seeing it work (almost) as expected!

How does the working day end?
It’s a quick dash to pick up my kids at the nursery before they fine me for late pick-up!

What time do you get home?
Between 6.15 and 6.30 pm (depending on the direction of the wind ).