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Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laser / Inspection Process Engineer

Covington, GA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Laser / Inspection Process Engineer Covington, Georgia Position: Tech Development, LASER/INSPECTION ... Operate, maintain, and improve AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) and Flying Probe inspection ...

Laser / Inspection Process Engineer

Covington, GA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Laser / Inspection Process Engineer Covington, Georgia Position: Tech Development, LASER/INSPECTION ... Operate, maintain, and improve AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) and Flying Probe inspection ...

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Minimum Qualifications BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in Optics, Physics ... laser, optical grating, prescription glasses, tunable light source, or integrating sphere.

Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

Laser Testing Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... optical engineer. You will be involved with handling the set up and use of complex optical ... laser performance measurements. This position is based in our Niwot, CO office. This is a non ...

Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto-mechanical ... Optical Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000 * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $110,000 Other Compensation ...

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto-mechanical ... Optical Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000 * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $110,000 Other Compensation ...

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto-mechanical ... Optical Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000 * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $110,000 Other Compensation ...

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto-mechanical ... Optical Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000 * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $110,000 Other Compensation ...

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do entry level laser optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level laser optics engineer in the United States is $112,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level laser optics engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics or engineering, with knowledge of optics principles and a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or LightTools), lab equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure precise design, safe handling of lasers, and successful collaboration on complex optical projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Laser Optics EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing floors, testing labs, assembly areas
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, research institutionsManufacturers, optical component suppliers, labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in laser opticsTechnical roles supporting optical systems

Entry Level Laser Optics Engineers focus on designing and developing laser systems, requiring a bachelor's degree and knowledge of optics. Optical Technicians support manufacturing and testing processes, often with technical certifications. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level laser optics engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer, you can expect to be involved in hands-on tasks such as assembling optical setups, performing alignment and calibration of laser systems, and conducting measurements to evaluate optical performance. You may also assist with designing and prototyping optical components, as well as documenting test results and troubleshooting system issues. Collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is common, giving you exposure to both the technical and project management aspects of the work.

What does an entry level laser optics engineer do?

An Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer assists in the design, development, and testing of optical systems that use lasers. Their tasks often include assembling optical components, aligning lasers, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to ensure systems meet performance specifications. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and may also contribute to troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role requires a strong background in physics or engineering, attention to detail, and hands-on technical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Optics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Laser Optics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Senior Principal Laser Engineer with Security Clearance

BAE Systems

Austin, TX • On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description Thank you for your interest in BAE Systems! This opening is included as part of our June 2026 Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions Engineering Hiring Event. While we encourage all interested professionals to apply, please note that this is a selection-based interview event for candidates whose skills and experience match our hiring needs. If your background and skill set match these needs, we will reach out with next steps. If selected for an interview, specific opportunities based on your interests, experience, and skill set will be discussed with the hiring team. For candidates not local to the southern NH area, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Laser Engineers to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio. BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicants will support assignments in laser system design and laser product testing or other related areas at our southern New Hampshire locations. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that serve a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications. The Laser Engineer will develop and mature advanced laser system products. This will include the design, analysis, building and test of laser and optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the development of laser system requirements, laser beam modeling, cross-discipline design work, prototype testing, and product transitions to production environments. The successful candidate will work with a broad range of colleagues from all disciplines and must be equally comfortable working and communicating in early R&D, hardware engineering, and production environments. Additional duties will include customer presentations, support to new business proposals, cost and scheduling support, and technical leadership. * Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology * Contribute to program plans and proposals, schedules and design * Analyze performance of conceptual and existing laser/optical subsystems * Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment * Deliver customer presentations and informal interactions in support of programs * Contribute to program progress reports Required Education, Experience, & Skills * Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology * Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment * Summarize and communicate findings and progress to colleagues and leadership * Contribute to program progress reports Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding in one or more of the following: Optics, Lasers, Material Science, Physics, Optical Design * Experience with laser alignment and measurement techniques including spatial, temporal and spectral laser profiling * Familiarity of laser system technology including aspects of laser modeling and design with a particular emphasis on high power lasers systems. * Experience designing and specifying optical components for lasers or other optical systems * Experience integrating and testing hardware and optical components in a laboratory environment * Ability to derive and document subsystem requirements from high level system requirements * Knowledge of industry vendors and the ability to effectively communicate with suppliers to achieve manufacturable and specification compliant components * Excellent communication skills, demonstrated ability to work well with others, ability to work in a team environment * Eagerness to collaborate and learn from others * Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax, Code V, RP Photonics, and Matlab * Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems Electronic Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve. This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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