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Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IPG Photonics

Laser Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in ...

Cowboy Space Corporation

Laser Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Overview The Laser Engineer is critically responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing high-power laser systems for our satellite platforms. Your expertise will contribute to creating laser ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical ...

Fuse

Laser Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

About the Role As a Laser Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the laser systems that trigger and diagnose Fuse's pulsed-power machines at our San Leandro facility. This is hands-on work ...

Gestamp

LASER ENGINEER / TECHNICIAN This position is to work directly in our laser cutting shop with Trumpf (laser), Prima & Shape process It will support Engineering in their duties in an efficient and ...

Ara

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Staff Laser Engineer 1 Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) is seeking a Staff Laser Engineer 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists ...

Cirtec Medical Corp.

Sr. Laser Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100K/yr

The Sr. Laser Engineer is primarily responsible for designing, developing, and qualifying laser manufacturing processes, employing multiple engineering disciplines, for the manufacture of Class II ...

Autokiniton

Laser Engineer

Elkton, MI

This position responsibility is specific to ensuring that the engineered process and equipment is ... Laser Optimization: * Defines project in regards to timing and performance cost. * Gives direction ...

NSS

Laser Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors ...

Silk Road Technologies Canada

Laser Engineer

Elkton, MI · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

This position responsibility is specific to ensuring that the engineered process and equipment is ... Laser Optimization: * Defines project in regards to timing and performance cost. * Gives direction ...

Autokiniton

Laser Engineer

Elkton, MI · On-site

This position responsibility is specific to ensuring that the engineered process and equipment is ... Laser Optimization: * Defines project in regards to timing and performance cost. * Gives direction ...

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Senior Laser Engineer 2 will lead the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied ...

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Laser Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser 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 is a laser engineer?

A laser engineer is a type of electrical engineer who specializes in equipment that makes lasers and lasers themselves, sometimes in specialty areas such as advanced optics. As a laser engineer, your job duties include monitoring the laser systems, optimizing the output of the lasers, and researching issues with the performance of the lasers. You may also be required to develop documentation on how to operate and maintain the equipment and train other technicians. To begin a career in this role, you need the same qualifications and skills required of an electrical engineer, as well as experience in the use, operation, and maintenance of laser equipment.

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

To thrive as a Laser Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with laser simulation software, CAD systems, and relevant safety certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the safe and efficient design, development, and maintenance of advanced laser systems for various applications.

What are some common challenges faced by laser engineers when working on new laser system designs?

Laser Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining beam quality while increasing power output, managing thermal effects in laser components, and ensuring precise alignment of optical elements. Additionally, integrating lasers with other complex systems and meeting stringent safety standards can be demanding. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver reliable, high-performance laser solutions.

What is the difference between Laser Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectLaser EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, physics, or related field; certifications in laser safety or opticsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related field; similar certifications in optics and laser safety
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, research centersResearch labs, manufacturing, product development, optical system design
Industry UsageLaser manufacturing, medical devices, defense, researchOptical systems, imaging, telecommunications, consumer electronics

Laser Engineers and Optical Engineers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Laser Engineers focus specifically on laser systems, their design, and application, while Optical Engineers work broadly with optical components and systems, including lenses, fibers, and imaging devices. Both roles are vital in industries like manufacturing, research, and technology development, but Laser Engineers specialize in laser-specific technologies.

How much do laser engineers make in the US?

Laser engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Advanced skills in optics, CAD software, and certifications can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized manufacturing or research environments.

What degree do you need to be a laser engineer?

Laser engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with knowledge of optics, laser systems, and relevant software tools.

What do laser engineers do?

Laser engineers design, develop, and optimize laser systems used in manufacturing, medical devices, and scientific research. They work with optical components, electrical systems, and software, often requiring knowledge of physics, engineering principles, and safety protocols. Their tasks include testing, troubleshooting, and improving laser performance to meet specific application needs.
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Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Laser Engineer

Oxford, MA • On-site

IPG Photonics
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

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Learn more about IPG Photonicsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.
IPG Photonics continues to expand with new opportunities in our Massachusetts locations. The Laser Engineer will be a part of a cohesive group involved in the development and manufacturing of advanced laser modules and systems.
Duties:
The Laser Engineer will assemble bench top, laser-based systems, plan, set up and complete experiments on an optical table, including optical alignment, optical and electrical assembly and testing, gathering and presentation of experimental data. The Laser Engineer will also drive improvements to existing and emerging products.
  • Assemble optical/laser hardware and verify the performance of optical components, equipment, systems, and setups
  • Perform endearment and characterization tests
  • Operate and maintain variety of optical, test and analytical instruments
  • Provide reports and presentations
  • Provide assistance and training to internal personnel

Location:
  • 75% of the position is based at 50 Old Webster Rd. Oxford, Massachusetts 01540, United States
  • 25% of the position is based at 377 Simarano Drive, Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States

  • PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with 5+ years of directly-related industry experience
  • Design experience with lasers and complex optical systems, preferred is strong experience with fiber lasers and UV lasers
  • Experience with optical metrology
  • Hands-on experience with optical and electrical test equipment
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills

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