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Laser Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tate, Inc.

Laser Operator - St. Paul, VA

Saint Paul, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Conducts first piece article inspections and documentation of part dimensions per engineering ... repairing laser machinery. * Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions

Smyth County Machine

CNC Laser Operator - 2nd Shift

Atkins, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

We are seeking a reliable CNC Laser Operator to join our 2nd shift production team. This role is ... Experience with AutoCAD and TruTops programming highly preferred * Solid background in sheet metal ...

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Laser Engineering information

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 CAD software and requiring knowledge of laser physics and safety protocols.

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?

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Analyst- Directed Energy (Laser)

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities

As an Engineering Analyst specializing in laser deconfliction for support of a national security program space warfighting mission, you will be responsible for validating the integrity of orbital data available and performing directed energy (Laser) deconfliction analysis of terrestrial and space-based threats against vulnerable assets. As part of the flight safety engineering team, you will be responsible for ensuring all program and supporting ground station operators, planners and decision-makers are forewarned against potential sources of optical targeting that may impede successful mission execution. Additionally, the Engineering Analyst (Laser) will develop, maintain and deconfliction operation products and create new or updated procedures and checklists as necessary to improve operating efficiencies and integrate new system capabilities. A successful candidate will develop integrative technical solutions, support training and exercise efforts, and communicate effectively with leadership and external partner agencies as appropriate. 

  • Perform conjunction assessment (CA) and Directed Energy deconfliction screenings routinely and ad hoc as required 
  • Create and update procedures and checklist for asset protection, risk mitigation and deconfliction analysis 
  • Support integration efforts of new data sources in legacy and developing system tools 
  • Improve tactics, technics, and procedures (TTPs) for flight safety and mission protection operations; inform training material changes when necessary 
  • Maintain system proficiency and awareness of current space domain threat activity 
  • Screen pre & post-launch TLEs, state trajectories and on-orbit hypothetical-burn ephemeris of latest resident space object (RSO) catalog to mitigate collision risks 
  • Operate orbit propagating software expertly, navigate GUIs, understand required field inputs volumes and reporting criteria to deliver products to owner/operator  
  • Participate in flight safety meetings and participate in training and exercise efforts 

***This position is contingent upon award of contract*** 

Qualifications
  • 5 years of experience with a BS/BA degree, 3 years of experience with a MS/MA degree, or 9 years of experience in lieu of a degree
  • 2+ years of combined experience working in flight safety (CA), laser deconfliction, space operations requiring flight safety system tools (i.e., STK, ASW) or as Systems/Software Engineer for relevant mission systems 
  • 2+ years' experience with Flight Safety tools (i.e., Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW) SuperCombo tool or STK) or STK Level 2 certification in lieu of working experience 
  • Active TS/SCI with adjudicated Poly 

Preferred: 

  • 4+ years of combined experience working in flight safety (CA), laser deconfliction, space operations requiring flight safety system tools or as Systems/Software Engineer 
  • Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics, flight safety tools and mission scope 
  • Understanding of foreign/domestic space & ground threat capabilities 
  • Prior working experience with IC 
  • Experience working and collaborating with military and civilian leaders of all ranks 
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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