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IPG Photonics

Contamination Control Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

$86K - $112K/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 ...

IPG Photonics

Contamination Control Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$86K - $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 ...

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How much do contaminant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and changing employer expectations for digital skills and adaptability. Many entry-level positions require relevant skills, certifications, or internships, which can be difficult for new job seekers to obtain without prior experience.

What is the highest paying environmental job?

Contaminant specialists, such as environmental engineers or toxicologists, often earn high salaries, especially with advanced degrees and certifications. Senior roles in environmental consulting or regulatory agencies can pay six-figure salaries, particularly in industries like oil and gas or manufacturing where environmental compliance is critical.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as successful entrepreneurs, top-tier investment bankers, and certain specialized medical professionals like neurosurgeons. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve high levels of responsibility and long working hours.

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 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.

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 5 jobs will remain after 2030?

Contaminant-related roles such as environmental scientists, waste management specialists, water treatment operators, pollution analysts, and remediation technicians are expected to remain in demand after 2030 due to ongoing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements. These jobs often require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of environmental regulations. They are essential for managing pollution and ensuring public health safety.

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.
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What job categories do people searching Contaminant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contaminant jobs are:
Contaminant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contaminant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 5% 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

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 421 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

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