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Laser Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Laser Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$139K - $231K/yr

Spectra-Physics is the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments. We have an excellent opportunity for someone like you to join our innovative product development engineering team as a Principal Laser ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Laser Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$139K - $231K/yr

Spectra-Physics is the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments. We have an excellent opportunity for someone like you to join our innovative product development engineering team as a Principal Laser ...

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Sustaining Laser Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. Your primary responsibilities will be to ...

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Sustaining Laser Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. Your primary responsibilities will be to ...

Conductor

Laser Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

We're looking for laser design engineers to contribute to the designs of Gen 1 and 2 custom laser designs and the integration with the wafer-scale interposer. Ideal Background: An ideal candidate ...

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 ... Represent the laser communications system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades, and issue ...

Lyte AI Inc.

Laser Tech lead Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

We areseekinga highly technical, detail-oriented laser engineer to drive the development and validation of III-V semiconductor lasers and amplifiers. This role is ideal for someone with strong ...

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Laser Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$110.6K

$185.5K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineer in California is $110,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,700.00 and $159,400.00 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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For Laser Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,628 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Laser Engineer

Cowboy Space Corporation

San Carlos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

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 technologies capable of efficiently and reliably transmitting energy across vast distances from space to Earth. You will collaborate closely with optical, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to develop laser systems that meet space application performance and reliability requirements.
Key Responsibilities
  • Laser System Design: Design and develop high-power laser systems suitable for space-based applications, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers.
  • Optical Modeling and Simulation: Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to model laser systems, perform simulations, and optimize performance parameters.
  • Component Selection and Integration: Select appropriate laser components, including gain media, pump sources, and optical elements, and integrate them into cohesive systems.
  • System Prototyping and Testing: Build prototypes of laser systems, conduct laboratory experiments, and perform characterization tests to validate performance against design specifications.
  • Thermal Management: Work with thermal engineers to design cooling systems and manage thermal effects within laser systems to ensure stability and efficiency.
  • Reliability and Space Qualification: Develop laser systems that meet space qualification standards, including radiation hardness, thermal-vacuum compatibility, and vibration resistance.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate laser systems with satellite platforms, including power systems, pointing and control mechanisms, and communication interfaces.
  • Documentation: Create detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, analysis reports, and operation manuals.
  • Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging laser technologies and industry trends, and contribute innovative ideas to improve system performance and reliability.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in laser engineering, including design, development, and testing of laser systems.
  • Proficiency with optical design and simulation software (e.g., Zemax, Code V).
  • Hands-on experience with high-power laser systems, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers.
  • Knowledge of laser physics, nonlinear optics, and optical materials.
  • Experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, beam profilers, and laser power meters.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in laser system development for aerospace or space applications.
  • Familiarity with space qualification processes and environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
  • Experience with laser-based energy transmission or communication systems.
  • Knowledge of thermal management techniques for high-power laser systems.
  • Experience with integration of laser systems into larger mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

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