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Laser Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Director of Laser Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

As the Director of Laser Engineering , you will lead the development, scaling, and industrialization of advanced laser systems that support Xcimer's next-generation fusion energy platform. You will ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Laser Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

As the Director of Laser Engineering , you will lead the development, scaling, and industrialization of advanced laser systems that support Xcimer's next-generation fusion energy platform. You will ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Laser Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

As the Director of Laser Engineering , you will lead the development, scaling, and industrialization of advanced laser systems that support Xcimer's next-generation fusion energy platform. You will ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA

As a key member of the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division in the Engineering Directorate, you will help drive the continued success of this flagship experimental facility of the ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

As a key member of the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division in the Engineering Directorate, you will help drive the continued success of this flagship experimental facility of the ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

As a key member of the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division in the Engineering Directorate, you will help drive the continued success of this flagship experimental facility of the ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with 5+ years of directly-related industry experience * Design experience with lasers and complex optical systems, preferred is strong experience with fiber ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Engineer

Oxford, MA

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in ...

Marvel Fusion

Laser Scientist (f/m/x)

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$100K - $148.26K/yr

Collaborate closely with laser engineers, experimental physicists, facility teams, and external partners * Gather and report field data and lessons learned to help refine system designs and facility ...

Marvel Fusion

Laser Scientist (f/m/x)

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

Collaborate closely with laser engineers, experimental physicists, facility teams, and external ... partners * Gather and report field data and lessons learned to help refine system designs and ...

NSS

Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA

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 ...

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Laser Engineering information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do laser engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser engineering 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 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, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, optical simulation tools, and hands-on experience with laser systems and safety certifications are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication set top performers apart. These competencies are critical for designing, optimizing, and maintaining advanced laser technologies used in research, manufacturing, and medical applications.

What are some typical challenges laser engineers face when working on new product development?

Laser engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting appropriate laser sources and optical components to meet strict performance requirements, managing heat dissipation, and ensuring system reliability under various operating conditions. Collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and software teams is crucial to integrate laser systems successfully into larger products. Additionally, keeping up with rapid technological advancements and adhering to safety standards are important aspects of the role. These challenges provide opportunities for continuous learning and innovation within multidisciplinary teams.

What is laser engineering?

Laser engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and application of lasers and laser-based systems. Laser engineers work with various types of lasers to solve problems in industries such as manufacturing, medicine, telecommunications, and research. They are involved in tasks ranging from creating new laser devices to integrating lasers into larger systems and ensuring their safe operation. This field requires a solid understanding of optics, electronics, and materials science.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What is the difference between Laser Engineering vs Optical Engineering?

AspectLaser EngineeringOptical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, specialized laser certificationsBachelor's or higher in optical, electrical, or physics engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, research centersResearch labs, product development, optical system design
Industry UsageLaser systems, medical devices, industrial cuttingImaging, telecommunications, optical sensors
Common Search/ComparisonLaser EngineeringOptical Engineering

Laser Engineering focuses on the design, development, and application of laser systems, often requiring specialized laser certifications. Optical Engineering covers a broader range of optical systems, including lenses, imaging, and fiber optics. While both roles share foundational knowledge in optics, Laser Engineering emphasizes laser-specific technologies and applications, making it distinct in industry usage and work environment.

More about Laser Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Laser Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Laser Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Laser Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Laser Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Laser Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Engineering jobs are:
Laser Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 29% Physical, and 71% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Director of Laser Engineering

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
As the Director of Laser Engineering, you will lead the development, scaling, and industrialization of advanced laser systems that support Xcimer's next-generation fusion energy platform. You will define the technical direction for large-scale laser architectures, build and mentor a high-performing engineering organization, and ensure laser systems are reliable, manufacturable, and scalable for industrial deployment. We are looking for a technical leader to apply their expertise in laser engineering, systems integration, and organizational leadership to positively impact the future of energy!
Responsibilities
  • Lead the Laser Engineering department, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and performance development of engineering staff.
  • Define and own the technical roadmap for laser system development, maturation, scaling, and industrial deployment.
  • Oversee the design, integration, testing, validation, and commissioning of large-scale laser systems with strong emphasis on reliability, manufacturability, repeatability, and operational performance.
  • Collaborate closely with experimental physics teams to evaluate existing laser architectures, experimental results, and critical design tradeoffs.
  • Review and assess current laser technologies and architectures to identify technical risks, limitations, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
  • Drive technical decision-making related to future laser system architectures using experimental data, modeling results, and system-level performance analysis.
  • Partner cross-functionally with optics engineering, optomechanical engineering, pulsed power, materials science, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to ensure effective communication and technical alignment.
  • Translate experimental insights and lessons learned into robust engineering designs, specifications, and scalable production-ready systems.
  • Lead the transition from prototype and research systems to reliable industrial-grade laser products and infrastructure.
  • Establish engineering best practices, design review processes, technical documentation standards, and quality expectations for complex laser systems.
  • Identify technical risks across laser development programs and drive mitigation strategies to support program execution and long-term scalability.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors and partners supplying laser components, hardware, and subsystems.
  • Support system troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and corrective action implementation during development and operations.
  • Align laser engineering priorities with company strategy, schedules, budgets, and organizational objectives in partnership with executive leadership.

Qualifications
  • Education: Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field; MS or PhD preferred.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering industrial laser systems.
  • Prior experience leading engineering teams, technical organizations, or major technical programs.
  • Strong understanding of laser system architectures, integration, and performance considerations.
  • Experience scaling laser systems from laboratory or R&D environments into industrial or production settings.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to operate effectively within a rapidly evolving and fast-paced organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on technical leadership with strategic organizational oversight.
  • Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new laser technologies and system architectures.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Desired
  • Direct experience with pulsed gas laser systems.
  • Experience with large-scale or high-energy laser architectures.
  • Familiarity with high-power laser operations and industrial laser infrastructure.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing, integration, commissioning, or field deployment activities.
  • Experience working within fast-growth startup or scale-up engineering environments.

$190,000 - $220,000 a year
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here and here.
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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