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Laser Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Kinetic Cuttings Systems

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Laser Applications Engineer - CNC Machinery

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Laser Applications Engineer Location: Houston, TX Travel: Up to 70% throughout the United States Kinetic Cutting Systems is a respected manufacturer of high-end fiber laser and plasma cutting systems.

Kinetic Cuttings Systems

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Laser Applications Engineer - CNC Machinery

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Laser Applications Engineer Location: Houston, TX Travel: Up to 70% throughout the United States Kinetic Cutting Systems is a respected manufacturer of high-end fiber laser and plasma cutting systems.

Kinetic Cuttings Systems

Be Seen First

Laser Applications Engineer - CNC Machinery

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Laser Applications Engineer Location: Houston, TX Travel: Up to 70% throughout the United States Kinetic Cutting Systems is a respected manufacturer of high-end fiber laser and plasma cutting systems.

Kinetic Cuttings Systems

Be Seen First

Laser Applications Engineer - CNC Machinery

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Laser Applications Engineer Location: Houston, TX Travel: Up to 70% throughout the United States Kinetic Cutting Systems is a respected manufacturer of high-end fiber laser and plasma cutting systems.

Kinetic Cuttings Systems

Be Seen First

Laser Applications Engineer - CNC Machinery

Webster, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Laser Applications Engineer Location: Houston, TX Travel: Up to 70% throughout the United States Kinetic Cutting Systems is a respected manufacturer of high-end fiber laser and plasma cutting systems.

Full Circle

Laser Cutting Machine Operator

Conroe, TX

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

Machine Operation & Programming * Independently set up and operate laser cutting machines. * Configure cutting parameters such as speed, power, focus, and gas pressure based on material type and ...

Full Circle

Laser Cutting Machine Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

Machine Operation & Programming * Independently set up and operate laser cutting machines. * Configure cutting parameters such as speed, power, focus, and gas pressure based on material type and ...

Lunar Resources

TIG and Laser Welder

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Collaborate with engineers to develop and refine welding procedures for new assemblies * Maintain ... Laser welding experience is a strong plus; candidates with strong TIG backgrounds and mechanical ...

Lunar Resources

TIG and Laser Welder

Houston, TX

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Collaborate with engineers to develop and refine welding procedures for new assemblies * Maintain ... Laser welding experience is a strong plus; candidates with strong TIG backgrounds and mechanical ...

Lunar Resources

TIG and Laser Welder

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Collaborate with engineers to develop and refine welding procedures for new assemblies * Maintain ... Laser welding experience is a strong plus; candidates with strong TIG backgrounds and mechanical ...

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All JobsLaser Engineer JobsLaser Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Laser Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$38.7K

$107K

$179.5K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineer in Houston, TX is $107,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $154,200.00 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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What job categories do people searching Laser Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

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

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

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Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,048 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

R&D Laser Engineer

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

The Reserves Network Inc
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The Reserves Network Incexternal

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

R&D Laser Design Engineer | Full-Time |  Direct Hire |Houston
 
What Matters Most:
• Direct hire opportunity with a leading optoelectronics manufacturer serving high-speed optical communications markets
• High-impact R&D role focused on next-generation semiconductor laser development
• Primary focus on high-power lasers and high-speed EML devices
• Fast-paced new product development environment (2–3 month design-to-validation cycles)
• Close collaboration with epitaxy and fabrication teams from concept through validation
• Competitive base salary up to $200K with relocation support available
 
Job Description:
A global supplier of optical communication components is seeking an R&D Laser Design Engineer to support the development of advanced semiconductor laser products. This position is focused on device structure design and modeling for high-power and high-speed electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs). The role is centered on epitaxial structure design and optical waveguide development rather than physical layout design. Engineers in this group are responsible for modeling device behavior, validating results through experimental data, and iterating designs to meet aggressive performance and production targets. This is a highly technical, collaborative role within a dynamic R&D team driving new product innovation under tight development schedules.

Responsibilities:
• Design and optimize epitaxial layer structures and optical waveguides for high-power and high-speed semiconductor laser devices
• Perform advanced device modeling and simulations covering optical, electrical, RF, and thermal performance using proprietary tools and Matlab-based platforms
• Collaborate closely with epitaxy and fabrication teams from early-stage concept through process execution and validation
• Analyze experimental characterization data and refine models to improve yield, performance margins, and reliability
• Document technical progress and contribute to design reviews to ensure alignment with performance targets and product timelines

Qualifications and Requirements:
• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optoelectronics, or related field; or M.S. with 5+ years of relevant semiconductor laser design experience
• Demonstrated experience designing high-power lasers and/or high-speed EML devices; VCSEL experience is a plus
• Strong proficiency in Matlab for modeling and data analysis; Python experience is advantageous
• Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics and optoelectronic device theory
• Ability to work in rapid development cycles and meet performance, yield, reliability, and schedule objectives
 
Preferred / Nice to Have:
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes
• Experience working in cross-functional R&D environments
• Exposure to reliability testing and production yield optimization
• Experience working with proprietary or in-house simulation tools
 
Benefits and Perks:
• Competitive base salary up to $200K depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Generous PTO policy with unused balance payout
• Relocation assistance within the U.S.
• Immigration sponsorship available (must be authorized to work in the U.S.)
 
Your New Organization:
You will join a technology-driven organization at the forefront of high-speed optical communication components. The Houston-based team operates in a focused, innovation-oriented R&D environment where engineers directly influence product performance, manufacturability, and time-to-market success.
 
Your Career Partner:
The Reserves Network is a veteran-founded, family-owned talent solutions firm specializing in engineering and technical placements nationwide. We focus on thoughtful alignment between candidates and organizations and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
 
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About Reserves Network

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Reserves Network is more than a temporary staffing company. We are a leading provider of flexible staffing services, including temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire placements to create Total Staffing Solutions. We take care of our people - our customers, the communities we serve and, of course, each other. This is what makes us different. This is what makes us great.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fairview Park, OH, US

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