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Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Sustaining Laser Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. Your primary responsibilities will be to ...

Coherent Corp.

Laser Test Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

S. or higher degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline. * 5 years optical and laser test experience in new product development environment.

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$108.60K - $133.50K/yr

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Sustaining Laser Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. Your primary responsibilities will be to ...

SAIC

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is actively seeking a Laser Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team of physicists, biologists, optometrists, engineers, and technicians dedicated to conducting ...

Coherent

Laser Test Engineer

Wilsonville, OR

S. or higher degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline. * 5 years optical and laser test experience in new product development environment.

SAIC

Laser Optical Engineer

San Antonio, TX

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is actively seeking a Laser Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team of physicists, biologists, optometrists, engineers, and technicians dedicated to conducting ...

SAIC

Laser Optical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Description SAIC is actively seeking a Laser Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team of physicists, biologists, optometrists, engineers, and technicians dedicated to conducting fundamental and ...

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Laser Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineer in the United States is $112,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $161,500.00 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, and why are they important?

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 are Laser Engineers?

Laser Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and maintain laser systems used in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, and research. They apply principles of physics, optics, and engineering to create and improve devices that generate and use lasers for tasks like cutting, measuring, or medical procedures. Laser Engineers also troubleshoot and optimize laser equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency in their operation. Their work often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate laser technology into products or processes.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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.

More about Laser Engineer jobs
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Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
R&D Laser Engineer

R&D Laser Engineer

The Reserves Network Inc

Sugar Land, TX

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

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.