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Laser Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Laser Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors ...

Fibertek, Inc

Fiber Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

Job Title Fiber Laser Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced fiber laser systems typically with performance ...

NSS

Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder

Herndon, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in a research ...

NSS

Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

Herndon, VA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / Technician to support the hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory environment.

Fibertek

Fiber Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced fiber laser systems typically with performance requirements beyond the state-of-the-art. The workload will at times include ...

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA · On-site

Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of ...

PeopleShare

Laser Punch Operator

Hanover, MD

$20 - $21/hr

Read blueprints, work orders, and engineering drawings * Perform tooling changes and machine ... Experience operating CNC laser, punch press, or similar equipment * Ability to read blueprints and ...

PeopleShare

Fiber Laser Operator

Hanover, MD · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Operate CNC fiber laser equipment to produce precision sheet metal components ... Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders * Set up equipment and load ...

Tejjy, inc

3D Laser Scanning Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

Laser Scanning Technician We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Laser ... Bachelor's or Associate degree in Engineering * Strong organizational skills and a meticulous eye ...

Tejjy, Inc.

3D Laser Scanning Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Laser Scanning Technician. If you have ... Bachelor's or Associate degree in Engineering * Strong organizational skills and a meticulous eye ...

Pro-Type Industries

CNC Laser Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Review work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and CNC programs prior to ... Operate CNC laser equipment using established programs, setup instructions, and work procedures.

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All JobsLaser Engineer JobsLaser Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Laser Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$45.9K

$126.9K

$212.8K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineer in Washington, DC is $126,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $182,800.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Laser Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,912 per year, or $61 per hour.

Laser Engineer II

NSS

Herndon, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated Laser Engineer to join our division at Herndon, VA to support the development, integration, and test of advanced laser systems. You will work with a team of mechanical and electrical engineers to build a unique packaged system that can withstand wide temperature operation or high vibrational loads. The workload will at times include multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short duration research programs and longer duration technology maturation programs.

Your Job

The successful candidate must have direct hands-on experience with diode pumped solid state lasers operating in the UV/VIS/IR wavelengths, willing to ask questions and has a passion to see what they build get used for a novel application like space communications. An understanding of the industry trends and best practices is a major plus. You will join a small- company environment, that has a dedicated team of technology and business leaders with 35 years of success behind them. Your role will include:

Contribute to the engineering development of unique laser designs through design analysis, component specification, and hardware assembly, integration, and test.

Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser resonators, amplifiers, non-linear frequency conversion modules and receiver components.

Participate in customer interactions including formal technical reviews. Required Skills and Experience

BS Physics, MS or PhD preferred with a minimum of 3 years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems.

Knowledge of the laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub- systems.

Ability to design and execute experiments validating laser system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.

Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary communication.

Desired Skills and Experience

MS or PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering

Experience with modeling and simulation of laser systems industry standard tools, i.e. MATLAB, MathCAD, Zemax or

equivalent software tools

Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex laser challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity.

Why Fibertek, Inc?

FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment with minimal bureaucracy. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.

Fibertek, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.

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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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