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Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Safety Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Laser Safety Engineer owns end-to-end laser safety by design. The work sits at the architecture ... It covers heterogeneous setups on optical tables and off them, in rack-mounted chassis and on free ...

Southeastern Tool & Die

Laser Operator

Fayetteville, NC · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

... Entry-Level Laser Operators . No previous manufacturing or laser experience is required. We will ... Work closely with other operators, programmers, and manufacturing personnel. Requirements * No ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Systems Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$128K - $208K/yr

Laser Platform Development & R&D * Design and develop infrastructure-grade laser systems built for repeatability, modularity, and field serviceability - programmable optical engines with calibration ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Systems Engineer

Boston, MA

$128K - $208K/yr

Laser Platform Development & R&D * Design and develop infrastructure-grade laser systems built for repeatability, modularity, and field serviceability - programmable optical engines with calibration ...

Talanto

$85 - $163/hr

The Role and Impact Join • • • • • as a Packaging Module Development Engineer in Laser ... Fundamental understanding of laser and optical systems Preferred Qualifications * Hands-on ...

New

Talanto

ATD Laser Development Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$85 - $163/hr

The Role and Impact Join • • • • • as a Packaging Module Development Engineer in Laser ... Fundamental understanding of laser and optical systems Preferred Qualifications * Hands-on ...

New

Latent AI

Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

SPACE LASERS ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system development, including design ...

Arete Associates

Laser Testing Technician

Niwot, CO · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

... 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 ...

Apple

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.

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All JobsLaser Optics Engineer JobsEntry Level Laser Optics Engineer Jobs

Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

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

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Entry Level Laser Optics Engineer jobs near you
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.

Laser Safety Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Summary
Laser Systems is QuEra's horizontal laser infrastructure program. The team owns the full lifecycle of laser systems across all machine generations and across our sites in the US, Japan, and the UK.
The Laser Safety Engineer owns end-to-end laser safety by design. The work sits at the architecture and design stage, where protection is layered into the system: optics and coating selection, beam path routing, containment, scattered light detection, interlocks, and access control. Protective eyewear sits last in that order, behind the engineering controls above it.
Scope begins at the light source and follows the beam through free space and optical fiber to wherever the light is used. It covers heterogeneous setups on optical tables and off them, in rack-mounted chassis and on free-standing benches, whether deployed, under build, or in development.
Designs from HQ reach QuEra sites worldwide. The role works with the Laser Safety Officers and the local scientists and engineers in the UK and Japan, and with QuEra's Laser Safety Officer in Facilities, who holds the regulatory role and site-wide program authority.
Responsibilities
Safety by Design
  • Own beam path safety review as a formal design gate for laser modules and systems, covering parasitic and scattered paths as well as primary paths
  • Specify layered protection at the design stage: optics and coating selection, beam containment, enclosures, beam dumps, and stray light management
  • Address fiber-borne hazards, including connector and end-face integrity, uncontrolled emission from damaged or disconnected fiber, and high power fiber delivery
  • Define scattered and stray radiation detection, including sensor selection, placement, thresholds, and integration with system telemetry

Controls and Interlocks
  • Design interlock and access control architecture across enclosures, doors, and emergency stop, with fail-safe behavior and machine-readable interlock state for automated operation
  • Retrofit containment and interlocks on deployed setups

Verification and Operations
  • Perform hazard analysis, define laser controlled area boundaries, and write laser safety acceptance criteria into module and system acceptance test procedures
  • Run hazard surveys and periodic spot checks across setups, investigate incidents and near misses, and specify PPE by area

Standards and Global Alignment
  • Own laser safety standards for the team across ANSI Z136, IEC and BS EN 60825, and JIS C 6802, and align QuEra practice across the three regimes
  • Work with the Laser Safety Officers and the local scientists and engineers at our UK and Japan sites to select protection methods per configuration, review local builds, and audit on site

Collaboration
  • Partner with Scientists, Engineers, and Facilities so that safety requirements are coherently applied in design

Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
  • Hands-on experience with Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems, including high power sources
  • Laser safety engineering built and used on real hardware, such as containment, interlocks, or hazard analysis
  • Working knowledge of ANSI Z136 or IEC 60825, and experience applying them to non-standard system configurations
  • Competence in optical power measurement, beam characterization, and stray light assessment
  • Credibility with practicing laser scientists and engineers, and clear written and verbal communication

Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Laser Safety Officer or equivalent formal laser safety training; support is available to pursue certification
  • Experience with fiber amplifiers, frequency conversion, or free-space high power delivery
  • Experience in research or prototype environments where hardware configurations change frequently
  • Background in AMO experiments, cold atom, or quantum hardware platforms
  • Experience coordinating safety practice across multiple international sites
  • Experience defining safety requirements for automated or software-controlled hardware

The approximate base salary range for this position is
We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.
QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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