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Contract Laser Cutter Operator Jobs in Reston, VA

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA

Experience working on DoD or aerospace prime contracts * Track record of taking laser systems from ... Comfortable operating in high-visibility, mission-critical programs Why This Role Matters This role ...

Anduril Industries

Contracts Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... Contract Analysts will serve as a liaison between the Legal Department and other functional ...

Anduril Industries

Contracts Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge ...

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Contract Laser Cutter Operator information

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$13

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$28

How much do contract laser cutter operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract laser cutter operator in Reston, VA is $20.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Laser Cutter Operators?

Contract Laser Cutter Operators are skilled professionals who operate laser cutting machinery on a contract or temporary basis, often for manufacturing, fabrication, or prototyping projects. They are responsible for setting up, programming, and maintaining laser cutters to precisely cut, engrave, or etch materials such as metal, plastic, or wood according to client specifications. These operators must have a strong understanding of technical drawings, material properties, and machine safety protocols. They typically work for multiple clients or companies, providing flexible workforce solutions for short-term or specialized projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Laser Cutter Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Contract Laser Cutter Operators often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, maintaining equipment precision, and interpreting complex design files from clients. To address these, operators should develop strong time management skills, adhere to regular machine maintenance schedules, and stay up-to-date with relevant design software. Clear communication with clients and team members also helps ensure project requirements are well understood and reduces the likelihood of errors or rework.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Laser Cutter Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Laser Cutter Operator, you need a solid understanding of technical drawings, material properties, and machine operation, typically supported by a high school diploma and vocational training. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, laser cutting machines, and safety protocols is essential, and certifications like OSHA or specific equipment training can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators deliver precise work and coordinate with clients or team members. These skills ensure accurate, efficient production while maintaining safety and meeting client specifications.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Laser Cutter Operator jobs in Reston, VA? For Contract Laser Cutter Operator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Contract Laser Cutter Operator jobs near you
Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

NSS

Herndon, VA

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description


Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead

Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of advanced solid-state laser systems for airborne and space-based government aerospace programs.
This individual will serve as both a deep technical authority and a program catalyst — leading laser system design while motivating cross-functional teams to execute on aggressive technical milestones. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical and modeling expertise with demonstrated experience pushing complex hardware programs from concept through integration and qualification.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Architect and lead development of advanced solid-state laser systems including:
    • Oscillators (linear and ring)
    • MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) architectures
    • OPO/OPA systems
    • Single-frequency / narrow-linewidth lasers
    • Frequency conversion stages (SHG, THG, nonlinear mixing)
  • Own cavity design, gain modeling, thermal analysis, and system energetics
  • Lead nonlinear optics development and frequency conversion optimization
  • Guide LIDAR transmitter laser development for airborne and space platforms
  • Perform system-level optical modeling and tolerance analysis (Zemax)
  • Ensure performance, reliability, and environmental robustness
Program Execution & Team Leadership
  • Serve as technical lead for laser subsystem programs
  • Translate high-level requirements into executable technical plans
  • Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone execution
  • Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategies
  • Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists
  • Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum
  • Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams
  • Support customer interactions and government technical reviews
Required Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in solid-state laser development (2–8+ years post-graduate experience depending on degree)
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small engineering teams
  • Demonstrated deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:
    • Laser resonator stability and design
    • Gain media physics and thermal management
    • Nonlinear optics and frequency conversion
    • Single longitudinal mode and narrow-linewidth operation
  • Experience designing and modeling:
    • High peak power or high pulse energy systems
    • MOPA systems
    • Nonlinear frequency conversion, OPO/OPA architectures
  • Strong proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g. Zemax)
  • Experience delivering hardware into airborne or space environments preferred
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing laser systems for LIDAR applications
  • Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser expertise
  • Experience with environmental qualification (e.g. thermal, vibration, vacuum)
  • Radiation effects awareness for space-based systems
  • Experience working on DoD or aerospace prime contracts
  • Track record of taking laser systems from concept to flight qualification
Leadership Profile We’re Seeking
  • Naturally assumes ownership of technical outcomes
  • Drives momentum — does not wait for direction
  • Communicates clearly with engineers, management, and customers
  • Balances deep physics rigor with practical program execution
  • Mentors junior staff and raises overall team capability
  • Comfortable operating in high-visibility, mission-critical programs
Why This Role Matters
This role will directly shape next-generation airborne and space-based laser systems that support critical aerospace and national security missions. The right candidate will not only design exceptional laser architectures but will elevate the performance of the entire team.
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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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