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Laser Applications Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cspeed

Laser Design Engineer (Epi/Device)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Senior Laser Design Engineer to own device design and simulation for this laser ... applications, with explicit consideration of growth tolerance, process variation, and production ...

Orbotech

Applications Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$140K - $238K/yr

Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with ... LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost-effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry ...

KLA

Applications Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$140K - $238K/yr

Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with ... LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost-effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry ...

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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 17, 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.

Silicon Photonics Application Engineer

Advantest

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

With a long legacy of success, innovation and customer awards, Advantest America, Inc. (AAI) is the North American subsidiary of Advantest Corporation, the world's largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) to the semiconductor industry. We lead the way in developing new and innovative test and handling solutions for the global electronics industry. Advantest America, Inc. (AAI) has a unique company culture. With its corporate headquarters in Japan and its US subsidiary based in the Silicon Valley, AAI possesses a cross-cultural blend of Japanese and California styles.

This applications engineering position is in our rapidly growing Silicon Photonics team. The ideal candidate has knowledge on an ATE platform and can provide solutions to our customers for electrical and optical test challenges. Experience with electro-optical probe solutions and FAU alignment is a big plus. We look for a candidate who is comfortable in both pre-sales and post-sales assignments to scope and deliver cutting edge solutions to our strategic customers. You will work in a cross functional team with SW and HW R&D, sales and marketing. This is an ideal position for a test engineer with a strong electrical / optical background; it requires ATE as well as SW skills to develop test programs and custom scripts for instrument control.

Responsibilities include:

  • Translate customer requirements into technical solutions; work with Advantest R&D and marketing to identify possible gaps in the roadmap and scope out potential solutions
  • Work with customers to transition electro-optical bench solutions into mass production
  • Ability to understand load board schematics; having knowledge of dual sided probe solutions is a plus
  • Knowledge in test sockets and probe cards / probe technologies
  • Test code development in programming languages like JAVA and scripting languages like Python
  • Accountable for the design, scoping, and technical validity of the solution to achieve the customer's business objectives
  • Close cooperation with other applications engineers in our European and Asian subsidiaries

Travel:

  • Up to 25% domestic or international travel to various customer and Advantest sites

Requirements:

  • BS degree in electrical, optical engineering or physics
  • Product and test engineering experience on an ATE platform or a bench environment
  • Statistical data analysis experience on tools like JMP, Galaxy, excel or others
  • JAVA and Python experience
  • Experience with optical devices

Additional Skills Preferred (but not required):

  • MS degree or higher
  • Knowledge and experience on test program development for Silicon Photonics products
  • Experience with handlers and probers; probe card development
  • Experience with lasers, optical analyzers, power meters, polarizers and circulators

Apply