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Laser Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Foundry

Director, Laser Technology

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$195K - $270K/yr

You will manage a team of laser engineers, optical physicists, and process specialists driving breakthrough yields in precision material processing. Key Responsibilities * Own the technical roadmap ...

Diamond Foundry

Director, Laser Technology

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$195K - $270K/yr

You will manage a team of laser engineers, optical physicists, and process specialists driving breakthrough yields in precision material processing. Key Responsibilities * Own the technical roadmap ...

Lyte AI Inc.

Laser Tech lead Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

Lyte

Laser Tech lead Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

We are seeking a 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 ...

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 array, working in a small, cross-functional team where individual contributions are highly visible and ...

ASML

Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer within the EUV Source Performance team, you will play a critical role in validating and optimizing EUV source performance to ensure products meet or exceed ...

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 array, working in a small, cross-functional team where individual contributions are highly visible and ...

Vector Atomic

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$163K - $214K/yr

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... As a PIC Laser Scientist, you will bridge the gap between fundamental optical physics and scalable ...

Vector Atomic

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA

$163K - $214K/yr

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... As a PIC Laser Scientist, you will bridge the gap between fundamental optical physics and scalable ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLaser Engineer JobsLaser Engineer Jobs in California

Laser Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$110.6K

$185.5K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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.
More about Laser Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Laser Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Laser Engineer job openings:

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

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

Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,628 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Director, Laser Technology

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

Diamond Foundry
Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Diamond Foundryexternal

$195K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, seasoned leader of Laser Technology to lead our laser process development and advanced optics team. In this role, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of our high-power laser technology -from initial optical physics R&D and beam delivery modeling to scaling laser-material processing loops on the manufacturing floor. You will manage a team of laser engineers, optical physicists, and process specialists driving breakthrough yields in precision material processing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the technical roadmap for high-power laser systems, beam shaping optics, and ultrafast laser slicing for diamond wafers.

  • Lead and scale a high-performing team of photonics engineers, optical physicists, and laser process specialists.

  • Drive the scaling and transfer of laser-material processing recipes (dicing, singulation, surface ablation) from R&D to the factory floor.

  • Partner with Equipment Engineering to design, procure, and integrate high-precision optical delivery hardware and galvo systems.

  • Maximize diamond wafer yield by resolving complex laser-material interaction excursions, thermal lens effects, and beam drift

  • Collaborate with Metrology and Automation teams to implement real-time optical sensor grids and closed-loop process controls.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Master's or Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science.

  • 8+ years in laser systems engineering, with 5+ years managing technical optical/process engineering teams.

  • Deep technical expertise in high-power industrial lasers (fiber, DPSS, ultrafast/femtosecond), beam delivery optics, and galvo scanners.

  • Proven track record in precision laser-material processing loops (e.g., semiconductor wafer slicing, ceramic/hard-material dicing, or optical annealing).

  • Proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax, Code V) and multiphysics modeling platforms (COMSOL, MATLAB, Python).

  • Strong background in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

$195,000 - $270,000 a year
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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