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Laser Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Express Employment

Tube Laser Engineer

Toledo, OH

$75K - $80K/yr

A company in Toledo on Dorr Street is looking for a motivated and driven individual to join their engineering and automation team as a Tube Laser Programmer/SolidWorks Designer!! The position is ...

Norwood Medical

Laser Programmer

Dayton, OH · On-site

Description The Laser Programmer is responsible for developing, editing, and optimizing laser ... Implement engineering changes and maintain accurate program records and archives. * Monitor daily ...

NSS

Laser Engineer II

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 ...

NSS

Laser Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

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 ...

Norwood Medical

Laser Programmer

Dayton, OH

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

The Laser Programmer is responsible for developing, editing, and optimizing laser marking programs ... Implement engineering changes and maintain accurate program records and archives. * Monitor daily ...

Linamar

Laser Programmer & Operator

Cornelia, GA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Laser Programmer & Operator / Nester Job Summary: The Laser Programmer & Operator/Nester will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating Laser machines to produce precision parts ...

Linamar

Laser Programmer & Operator

Cornelia, GA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Laser Programmer & Operator / Nester Job Summary: The Laser Programmer & Operator/Nester will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating Laser machines to produce precision parts ...

Basin

Laser Programmer/Operator

Easley, SC · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Laser Programmer/Operator Reports to : Plant Manager FLSA Status : Non-Exempt EEO Classification : Laborer Pay Range $20-$22 hourly based on skills and experience **Please monitor your email for ...

Russell Tobin

Laser Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN

$30 - $37/hr

Collaborate with engineering and research teams on product and process development. * Inspect ... Follow all PPE, laser, lab, and machine safety requirements. * Perform hands-on technical problem ...

Fibertek, Inc

Fiber Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

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 ...

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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 21, 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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior laser engineers or optical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in laser systems, and often specialized certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or research institutions typically offer such compensation, especially for those in leadership or highly technical positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, 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 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.

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 fields like manufacturing, research, or defense.

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Laser Engineer

Laser Engineer

NSS

Herndon, VA

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Laser Engineer

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated Laser Engineer to join our division at Herndon, VA to support the development, integration, and test of advanced laser systems. You will work with a team of mechanical and electrical engineers to build a unique packaged system that can withstand wide temperature operation or high vibrational loads. The workload will at times include multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short duration research programs and longer duration technology maturation programs.

Your Job

The successful candidate must have direct hands-on experience with diode pumped solid state lasers operating in the UV/VIS/IR wavelengths, willing to ask questions and has a passion to see what they build get used for a novel application like space communications. An understanding of the industry trends and best practices is a major plus. You will join a small- company environment, that has a dedicated team of technology and business leaders with 35 years of success behind them. Your role will include:

  • 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, alignment, and performance characterization of laser resonators, amplifiers, non-linear frequency conversion modules and receiver components.

  • Participate in customer interactions including formal technical reviews. Required Skills and Experience

  • BS Physics, MS or PhD preferred with a minimum of 3 years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems.

  • Knowledge of the laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub- systems.

  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating laser system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.

  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary communication.

  • US citizenship required.

    Desired Skills and Experience

  • MS or PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering

  • Experience with modeling and simulation of laser systems industry standard tools, i.e. MATLAB, MathCAD, Zemax or

    equivalent software tools

  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex laser challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity.

    Why Fibertek, Inc?

    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 with minimal bureaucracy. 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 and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.

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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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