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Laser Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA

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 ...

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

Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

Herndon, VA

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 ...

EK Recruiting

Laser (Capital) Sales

Richmond, VA · On-site

$200K/yr

Laser (Capital) Sales Richmond, Virginia, United States About the Job 1 to 4 years of business-to-business sales experience required. If you have over 4 years of business-to-business sales experience ...

Lawrence Brothers Inc

Laser Operator

Bluefield, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This position is responsible for operating and programming laser cutting equipment, ensuring production quality, and maintaining efficient workflow. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined ...

Lawrence Brothers Inc

Laser Operator

Bluefield, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This position is responsible for operating and programming laser cutting equipment, ensuring production quality, and maintaining efficient workflow. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined ...

Lawrence Brothers Inc

Laser Operator

Bluefield, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This position is responsible for operating and programming laser cutting equipment, ensuring production quality, and maintaining efficient workflow. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined ...

Lawrence Brothers Inc

Laser Operator

Bluefield, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This position is responsible for operating and programming laser cutting equipment, ensuring production quality, and maintaining efficient workflow. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined ...

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Laser Engineering information

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior laser engineers or optical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in laser systems, and often working in high-tech industries or research institutions can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires specialized knowledge, advanced degrees, and leadership roles in engineering projects.

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. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

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.

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 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 do laser engineers do?

Laser engineers design, develop, and test laser systems used in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and defense. They work with optical components, electrical systems, and software, often requiring knowledge of physics, engineering principles, and specialized tools like CAD software. Their responsibilities include improving laser performance, ensuring safety standards, and troubleshooting technical issues.

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, laser systems, and certifications can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized or high-tech environments.

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 are popular job titles related to Laser Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Laser Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laser Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Laser Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Laser Engineering job openings:
Laser Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

NSS

Herndon, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description


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 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
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
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.
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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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