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Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NorthStar MedTech Solutions

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Laser & Quality Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Laser & Quality Engineer Industry: Laser Processing & Contract Manufacturing Job Type: FULL-TIME; EXEMPT Education Level: Bachelor's degree in engineering Reports to: Director of Operations ...

Norwood Medical

Laser Programmer

Dayton, OH · On-site

Description The Laser Programmer is responsible for developing, editing, and optimizing laser marking programs to produce high-quality marks that meet customer specifications. This role supports ...

Russell Tobin

Laser Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN

$30 - $37/hr

The Science Team at Russell Tobin and Associates is hiring a "LAB Research Engineer IV" for a top leading materials science organization. Key Responsibilities * Develop and optimize laser processing ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.

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 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 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 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 does a laser engineer do?

A laser engineer designs, develops, and tests laser systems and components for various applications such as manufacturing, medical devices, or research. They work with optical, electrical, and mechanical systems, often using specialized tools and software, and may require knowledge of safety standards and certifications. Their role involves troubleshooting, optimizing laser performance, and ensuring system reliability in a controlled environment.

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.

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 do you need to be a laser engineer?

To become a laser engineer, a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field is typically required. Strong knowledge of optics, laser systems, and related software is essential, along with hands-on experience with laser equipment and safety protocols.
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Laser Engineer jobs near you
Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead

Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead

Fibertek, Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead
Location
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of advanced solid-state laser systems for airborne and space-based government aerospace programs.
This individual will serve as both a deep technical authority and a program catalyst - leading laser system design while motivating cross-functional teams to execute on aggressive technical milestones. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical and modeling expertise with demonstrated experience pushing complex hardware programs from concept through integration and qualification.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership
  • Architect and lead development of advanced solid-state laser systems including:
    • Oscillators (linear and ring)
    • MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) architectures
    • OPO/OPA systems
    • Single-frequency / narrow-linewidth lasers
    • Frequency conversion stages (SHG, THG, nonlinear mixing)
  • Own cavity design, gain modeling, thermal analysis, and system energetics
  • Lead nonlinear optics development and frequency conversion optimization
  • Guide LIDAR transmitter laser development for airborne and space platforms
  • Perform system-level optical modeling and tolerance analysis (Zemax)
  • Ensure performance, reliability, and environmental robustness

Program Execution & Team Leadership
  • Serve as technical lead for laser subsystem programs
  • Translate high-level requirements into executable technical plans
  • Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone execution
  • Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategies
  • Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists
  • Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum
  • Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams
  • Support customer interactions and government technical reviews

Why This Role Matters
This role will directly shape next-generation airborne and space-based laser systems that support critical aerospace and national security missions. The right candidate will not only design exceptional laser architectures but will elevate the performance of the entire team.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in solid-state laser development (2-8+ years post-graduate experience depending on degree)
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small engineering teams
  • Demonstrated deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:
    • Laser resonator stability and design
    • Gain media physics and thermal management
    • Nonlinear optics and frequency conversion
    • Single longitudinal mode and narrow-linewidth operation
  • Experience designing and modeling:
    • High peak power or high pulse energy systems
    • MOPA systems
    • Nonlinear frequency conversion, OPO/OPA architectures
  • Strong proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g. Zemax)
  • Experience delivering hardware into airborne or space environments preferred
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing laser systems for LIDAR applications
  • Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser expertise
  • Experience with environmental qualification (e.g. thermal, vibration, vacuum)
  • Radiation effects awareness for space-based systems
  • Experience working on DoD or aerospace prime contracts
  • Track record of taking laser systems from concept to flight qualification

Leadership Profile We're Seeking
  • Naturally assumes ownership of technical outcomes
  • Drives momentum - does not wait for direction
  • Communicates clearly with engineers, management, and customers
  • Balances deep physics rigor with practical program execution
  • Mentors junior staff and raises overall team capability
  • Comfortable operating in high-visibility, mission-critical programs

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. 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 Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.

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