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Laser Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Focused Energy Inc

Laser Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

As a Laser Engineer, you'll own the hands-on execution of core laser experiments, such as setting up a laser front end, achieving two-dimensional SSD (smoothing by spectral dispersion), frequency ...

New

HealthTronics, Inc.

Laser Support Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$88 - $100/hr

Laser Support Engineer Full Time Professional Cincinnati, OH, US 15 days ago Requisition ID: 2310 Salary Range: $87,999.00 To $100,000.00 Annually Do you enjoy being the technical expert people call ...

Conductor

Laser Design Engineer

Austin, TX · 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 ...

Healthtronics

Laser Support Engineer

Round Rock, TX · Remote

$87K - $100K/yr

HealthTronics is looking for an experienced Laser Support Engineer to help strengthen and expand our medical laser service capabilities. This is a highly technical role for someone who knows medical ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Laser Engineers to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser ...

Focused Energy Inc

Laser Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and engineering minds ... As a Laser Technician, you'll own the hands-on execution of core laser experiments, such as setting ...

New

Neurophos

Director of Laser System Development

Austin, TX · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary laser engineering team spanning laser physics, photonic integration, packaging, and test. * Define technical roadmaps and milestone-driven development ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle ... As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle ... As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLaser Engineer JobsLaser Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Laser Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$40.1K

$111.1K

$186.3K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineer in Austin, TX is $111,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $160,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Laser Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Laser Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Laser Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Laser Engineer job openings:

Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,110 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Laser Engineer

Focused Energy Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion. Backed by our $240M Series A - the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry - we are scaling rapidly across multiple geographies.
Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. Focused Energy is working to realize game-changing scientific innovation that promises to deliver a clean, sustainable and abundant source of power globally.
Your Role
Focused Energy is building a Focused Energy Lasers Austin (FELA) facility in Austin, TX, and this role exists to make that build happen at the bench level. As a Laser Engineer, you'll own the hands-on execution of core laser experiments, such as setting up a laser front end, achieving two-dimensional SSD (smoothing by spectral dispersion), frequency tripling, FM-AM, and large-scale solid-state amplifier characterization experiments. You'll create the execution capacity FELA needs to move from facility build-out to a productive experimental program.
What You'll Do
  • Own the hands-on setup, alignment, and execution of assigned FELA laser experiments including setting up the laser front end, running two-dimensional SSD, frequency tripling, FM-AM, and main amplifier characterization experiments.
  • Lead bench-level troubleshooting.
  • Drive the day-to-day experimental schedule, ensuring setups are ready and experiments run on time against the FELA build-out plan.
  • Ensure all laser safety protocols and lab safety standards are followed without exception in a Class 3B/4 laser environment.
  • Build and maintain organized, well-documented lab records covering equipment status, alignment logs, and experimental data.
  • Improve experimental setups and procedures over time, identifying and proposing refinements based on hands-on experience.
  • Partner with laser scientists on joint experimental sessions, providing reliable bench execution that enables scientific progress.
  • Help the FELA facility scale its experimental program by building repeatable, well-documented setups that others can follow.
Who You Are
  • Hands-on experience with fiber and free-space laser systems, nonlinear optics (frequency conversion, beam smoothing), laser beam characterization, and optical alignment and diagnostics.
  • Comfortable working independently on bench-level setup, alignment, and troubleshooting, and know when to escalate a genuinely stuck problem rather than push through it.
  • A systematic, methodical approach to experimental work, with strong lab notebook and data documentation habits.
  • Working knowledge of laser safety standards (ANSI Z136) and experience operating safely in Class 3B/4 laser environments.
  • Clear, proactive communicator - you flag issues early and keep your team members informed on progress and blockers.
  • Take ownership of your work end-to-end and set a high bar for safety discipline and lab practice as the team grows around you.
  • Preferred: Familiarity with laser modeling software (e.g. Miro, Zemax) and CAD tools (e.g. Inventor)
What We Offer
  • Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
  • Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you'll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
  • Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
  • Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.
  • Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision: Multiple great plans to pick from that are active come the 1st Day of employment for you and any enrolled dependents.
  • Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you Unlimited PTO.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks.
  • Retirement Plan: If you decide to enroll in our 401k plan, we will match up to 4% on top of the employee contribution.
  • Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
  • Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.

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