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Laser Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Peerless Industries

Tube Laser

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Work closely with the Laser Programmer to identify opportunities for program improvements and increased efficiency. * Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on the machine and ...

Peerless Industries

Tube Laser

Aurora, IL

$17 - $21.50/hr

Work closely with the Laser Programmer to identify opportunities for program improvements and increased efficiency. * Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on the machine and ...

Peerless Industries

Tube Laser

Aurora, IL

$17 - $21.50/hr

Work closely with the Laser Programmer to identify opportunities for program improvements and increased efficiency. * Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on the machine and ...

HSG Laser US

Laser Applications Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

This role bridges engineering, sales, and service by demonstrating machine capabilities, optimizing cutting parameters, and ensuring customers achieve maximum value from their laser systems. Primary ...

W3Global Inc.

CNC Laser Operator

Crete, IL

$20 - $30/hr

We are seeking an experienced CNC Laser Operator/Programmer to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience programming, setting up, and operating fiber laser ...

DEO TEK, Inc

Laser Machine Operator

Addison, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Laser Machine Operator Blue Collar Carpentersville, IL. 60110 2st Shift 1:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. $22 ... Communicate closely with the engineering team to develop best practices for manufacturability of ...

gnc

Laser and CNC Punch MachineProgrammer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Laser and CNC Punching Machine Programmer Why Great Northern Privately held, Great Northern Instore, a division of Great Northern Corporation, is a Multi-Million Dollar, Designer, Engineering, and ...

Daifuku Intralogistics America

ILUS - Laser Operator

Hobart, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs ... Produces laser cuts for fabrication processes by setting up, programming, and operating a computer ...

Daifuku Intralogistics America

ILUS - Laser Operator

Hobart, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

With hundreds of engineers inhouse, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs the ... Produces laser cuts for fabrication processes by setting up, programming, and operating a computer ...

Daifuku

ILUS - Laser Operator

Hobart, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

With hundreds of engineers inhouse, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs the ... Produces laser cuts for fabrication processes by setting up, programming, and operating a computer ...

Daifuku

2nd Shift Laser Operator

Hobart, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

With hundreds of engineers inhouse, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs the ... Produces laser cuts for fabrication processes by setting up, programming, and operating a computer ...

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All JobsLaser Engineer JobsLaser Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Laser Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.8K

$115.6K

$193.8K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineer in Chicago, IL is $115,566.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $166,500.00 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.
More about Laser Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Laser Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Laser Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Laser Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,566 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Laser Welding Engineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL • On-site

Gotion, Inc.
Manufacturing • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Gotion, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Laser Welding Engineer
Location: Manteno, IL  
Job Type: Full-Time 

Job Summary: 
The Laser Welding Engineer will play a critical role in developing and optimizing welding processes for Gotion's 40GW battery cell facility. This position focuses on ensuring high-quality welds for battery components, such as cell casings and electrical connections, using advanced welding technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in both manual and robotic welding techniques to support large-scale production. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Responsibilities

    • Develop, debug, and continuously optimize laser welding processes.

    • Define and maintain welding parameters such as power, speed, frequency, and focal position.

    • Evaluate welding quality and conduct defect analysis, including appearance inspection, tensile testing, and metallographic analysis.

    • Support laser welding equipment installation, FAT/SAT, and mass production launch.

    • Resolve welding defects such as weak welds, spatter, burn-through, and other welding-related issues.

    • Collaborate with equipment, quality, and production teams to improve welding yield and process stability.

    • Prepare welding process documentation and related technical reports.

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Automation, or related fields.

    • Minimum of 3 years of experience in laser welding process engineering.

    • Familiar with fiber laser systems and laser welding principles.

    • Experience welding aluminum, copper, nickel, or similar materials is a plus.

    • Strong on-site problem-solving and analytical skills.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $80k -$120k, plus eligibility for bonus and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will provide more details about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the listed compensation reflects the base salary only and does not include bonus or benefits.

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