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Laser Applications Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TRUMPF

Application Engineer - Welding

Santa Clara, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

Laser Applications Engineers works as a part of the Laser Applications Laboratory group demonstrating feasibility of TRUMPF laser welding/cutting systems and technologies to industrial customers. In ...

QCi

Identify and pursue high-value applications and programs in lasers, photonic devices, and optical ... Systems Engineering: Design, construct, and characterize hardware testbeds and system-level ...

QCi

Applications Engineer- Photonics

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

Identify and pursue high-value applications and programs in lasers, photonic devices, and optical ... Systems Engineering: Design, construct, and characterize hardware testbeds and system-level ...

Velo3D

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As Senior Applications Engineer you will work directly with external customers and engineering ... Machines pose hazards associated with lasers, electronics, mechanical devices, and metal powder.

Velo3D

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA

$115K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As Senior Applications Engineer you will work directly with external customers and engineering ... Machines pose hazards associated with lasers, electronics, mechanical devices, and metal powder.

Velo3D

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA

$115K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As Senior Applications Engineer you will work directly with external customers and engineering ... Machines pose hazards associated with lasers, electronics, mechanical devices, and metal powder.

Velo3D

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

As Senior Applications Engineer you will work directly with external customers and engineering ... Machines pose hazards associated with lasers, electronics, mechanical devices, and metal powder.

Velo3D

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

As Senior Applications Engineer you will work directly with external customers and engineering ... Machines pose hazards associated with lasers, electronics, mechanical devices, and metal powder.

Velo3D

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As Senior Applications Engineer you will work directly with external customers and engineering ... Machines pose hazards associated with lasers, electronics, mechanical devices, and metal powder.

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All JobsLaser Applications Engineer JobsLaser Applications Engineer Jobs in California

Laser Applications Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do laser applications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser applications engineer in California is $109,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laser applications engineer?

A Laser Applications Engineer develops and optimizes laser-based processes for industrial, medical, or research applications. They work closely with customers to understand requirements, conduct feasibility studies, and refine laser parameters for cutting, welding, marking, or other material interactions. The role involves hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and collaboration with design and manufacturing teams. Strong knowledge of optics, laser physics, and materials science is essential.

What does a laser applications engineer do?

Laser Applications Engineers commonly work on designing, testing, and optimizing laser systems for specific industrial or research purposes, often interfacing directly with clients to understand their technical requirements. Daily tasks may include conducting experiments, performing data analysis, troubleshooting equipment, and preparing technical reports or presentations. Collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and sales teams is frequent to support product development and application demonstrations. This hands-on and interdisciplinary environment allows you to stay engaged with both theory and practical implementation, making the role dynamic and intellectually rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser applications engineer?

To excel as a Laser Applications Engineer, you typically need a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with laser systems, optical simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), and relevant industry certifications can be important assets. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help foster effective collaboration and client support. These competencies are vital because Laser Applications Engineers bridge cutting-edge technology with practical solutions, ensuring successful implementations in diverse technical environments.

How much do laser applications engineers make in the US?

Laser applications engineers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in laser systems and optics may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation can also include benefits such as bonuses and professional development opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Applications Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Laser Applications Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Laser Applications Engineer jobs in California?

For Laser Applications Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Applications Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Applications Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Laser Applications Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Laser Applications Engineer job openings:

Laser Applications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Applications Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Application Engineer - Welding

TRUMPF Group

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

As a family-run, high-tech company with nearly 19,000 employees at 71 locations worldwide, we are looking for forward thinkers with unconventional ideas and drive to join our team. Our company culture, which values collaboration and mutual trust, creates the ideal framework for boldly trying new things and questioning the status quo. Our technologies inspire people to develop and produce things that are currently unimaginable. Whether lasers, machine tools, EUV or electronics - TRUMPF is building technological worlds for future generations. Are you ready for new challenges?
Laser Applications Engineers works as a part of the Laser Applications Laboratory group demonstrating feasibility of TRUMPF laser welding/cutting systems and technologies to industrial customers. In this role you will communicate directly with customers, prepare customer demonstrations and process samples for different industries. You will be a part of a highly skilled team of laser and material experts. Your goal is to support sales by ensuring best in class customer satisfaction in the pre-sales technology evaluation process and customer after-sales support.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Manage and execute customer application trials and demonstrations, including communication with customers, evaluating technical requirements, preparing, and processing customer applications, writing reports and following up with customers.
  • Support complex application projects at TRUMPF and at the customer.
  • Host customer visits together with sales and communicate directly with customers regarding applications and technology
  • Act as an internal consultant on materials science related to laser processing
  • Routine communication with Laser Applications Laboratory in TRUMPF Competence Centers regarding new applications
  • Support Regional Sales Managers and Industry Managers with strategic and key applications
  • Taking responsibility for strategic application
  • Support applications in at least two different technologies
  • Support customers on long term development projects
  • Contribution of original work to internal applications network
  • Take part in laboratory equipment need reviews, bringing recommendations and feedback to the attention of the management
  • Set up and operate TRUMPF equipment
  • Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in excellent working condition and ensure assigned laboratory and ancillary equipment are maintained

Travel
  • Up to 25% travel

Education & Experience
  • 2-5 years of relevant practical experience
  • Associates or bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or Materials Science, or equivalent combination of training and experience in technical field
  • Experience in laser processing, marking, laser micro machining or materials science preferred (depending on exact position)
  • CNC or robotic programming, material science and vision systems skills considered a plus
  • Must have natural curiosity towards new innovations and technologies
  • Strong problem-solving skills are essential to solve problems independently for internal / external customers
  • Must demonstrate sound judgment with strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills, and have ability to prioritize and focus in a dynamic team-oriented environment
  • Operate and program TRUMPF equipment or have prior experience operating similar equipment.
  • Good understanding on fundamentals of laser materials processing, including laser, process and material parameters, and laser safety
  • Write application reports, research reports and statements of work
  • Basic understanding of the mechanical and electrical machine data

Salary Range: $70,310 - $95,125
TRUMPF Inc. endeavors to make TRUMPF careers pages accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance in completing the applications process, please contact our HR department at 860.255.6000 or at HRgeneral@us.trumpf.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and can not be used to inquire about the status of application.

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