1

Contaminant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contamination Control Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

$86.80K - $112.30K/yr

Lead and advance contamination control strategies for DUV laser manufacturing * Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface-driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and ...

Contamination Control Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$86.60K - $112K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong foundation in chemistry to lead contamination control and manufacturing process development for deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser ...

Contamination Control Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers ...

Emerging Contaminants Technical Advisor

Spring, TX · On-site

$106.80K - $107.30K/yr

Job Summary The Emerging Contaminants Advisor provides strategic technical leadership, subject-matter expertise, and guidance on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contaminant information

See salary details

$48K

$86.5K

$144K

How much do contaminant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contaminant in the United States is $86,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contaminant, and why are they important?

Invalid job title: 'Contaminant' is not a recognized professional occupation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in contaminant analysis and management roles?

Professionals in contaminant analysis and management often encounter challenges such as accurately identifying trace levels of pollutants, staying updated with evolving environmental regulations, and ensuring that remediation strategies are both effective and cost-efficient. They frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental engineers, regulatory agencies, and laboratory technicians, to develop comprehensive solutions. Managing large datasets and maintaining precise documentation are also key aspects of the role, requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.

What are contaminants and what does a contaminant specialist do?

Contaminants are unwanted substances that can be found in air, water, soil, or food, potentially causing harm to human health or the environment. A contaminant specialist, often referred to as an environmental scientist or contamination analyst, identifies, monitors, and assesses the presence and impact of these substances. They collect samples, analyze data, and help develop strategies for contamination prevention and cleanup. Their work is crucial for ensuring public safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A contaminant specialist or related environmental role can sometimes earn $10,000 a month through experience, certifications, and working in high-demand industries like waste management or environmental remediation. These jobs often require technical skills, safety training, and on-the-job experience rather than a formal degree.

What is the difference between Contaminant vs Environmental Technician?

AspectContaminantEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsOften requires knowledge of chemistry, environmental science, or related fields; certifications like HAZWOPER may be beneficialTypically requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or related fields; certifications like OSHA HAZWOPER are common
Work EnvironmentInvolves identifying, analyzing, and managing pollutants or hazardous substances in various settingsConducts field sampling, site assessments, and environmental monitoring in outdoor or industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like manufacturing, waste management, and environmental consulting to refer to substances that cause pollutionEmployed by environmental agencies, consulting firms, and industries to monitor and ensure environmental compliance

While a contaminant refers to a harmful substance or pollutant, an environmental technician works to identify, monitor, and manage such contaminants in the environment. Understanding the difference helps clarify roles in environmental safety and pollution control.

More about Contaminant jobs
Infographic showing various Contaminant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,458 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Contamination Control Engineer

Contamination Control Engineer

IPG Photonics

Oxford, MA • On-site

$86.80K - $112.30K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and working hand-in-hand with skilled teams of software and hardware engineers.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong foundation in chemistry to lead contamination control and manufacturing process development for deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that impact the performance, reliability, and lifetime of DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience diagnosing and mitigating chemically driven degradation in high-energy UV environments.
This is a technically demanding role with significant influence on materials selection, manufacturing process development, and long-term system reliability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and advance contamination control strategies for DUV laser manufacturing
  • Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface-driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and surrounding materials
  • Evaluate and select materials, including polymers, metals, adhesives, coatings, solvents, and cleaning agents for compatibility with deep-UV exposure
  • Develop and qualify cleaning, passivation, and handling processes based on chemical and surface-science principles
  • Lead root-cause analysis of DUV-induced failures and contamination-related issues
  • Model and experimentally validate contamination transport, adsorption/desorption, and photo-induced reactions in DUV environments
  • Collaborate closely with R&D teams to translate laboratory-scale DUV solutions into robust manufacturing processes
  • Define contamination-control specifications, cleanliness requirements, and acceptance criteria
  • Support supplier qualification, engagement, and audits related to chemical cleanliness and material compatibility
  • Mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject-matter expert in DUV contamination control and chemistry

  • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
  • Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination under deep-UV irradiation
  • Proven experience identifying and resolving contamination-driven performance or lifetime limitations in optical or laser systems
  • Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic contamination sources, outgassing, adsorption/desorption, and UV-induced chemical reactions
  • Experience working in contamination-sensitive environments such as cleanrooms or precision optics manufacturing
  • Familiarity with cleaning processes, contamination-control methods, and handling procedures for optical and laser components
  • Hands-on experience with DUV systems operating at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths in manufacturing, process engineering, or applied research environments
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to connect chemical mechanisms to system-level behavior
  • Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Experience with surface-analysis and contamination-diagnostics tools
  • Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and statistical analysis software
  • Background in reliability engineering for DUV optical systems preferred
  • Experience defining cleanliness standards for high-energy UV or photolithography-related applications preferred

What IPG Photonics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom