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Laser Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. * Minimum of 10 -12 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical ...

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 ...

ARA

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. * Minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical ...

DIHO Consulting USA

Laser Programmer

Katy, TX

Laser Programmer - CNC / Sheet Metal Fabrication Location: Katy, TX Job Type: Full Time Experience ... This is a critical position that sits at the intersection of engineering and manufacturing ...

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 ...

Cirtec Medical Corp.

Laser Engineer II

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Experience in an engineering environment with mechanical, tool design, and manufacturing processes (medical device preferred). * Experience with laser applications, such as laser welding, ablation ...

Cirtec Medical

Laser Engineer II

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

Experience in an engineering environment with mechanical, tool design, and manufacturing processes (medical device preferred). * Experience with laser applications, such as laser welding, ablation ...

SAIC

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is actively seeking a Laser Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team ...

FECON

Laser Programer

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Laser Programmer Manager Title Operations Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time FECON, LLC is a vegetation management equipment manufacturer located in Lebanon, Ohio near Kings Island Amusement ...

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Laser Engineering information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

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How much do laser engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Senior Laser Engineer 2

Senior Laser Engineer 2

ARA

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Rocky Mountain Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer 2 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will lead the operation and maintenance of the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space.
The Senior Laser Engineer 2 will lead the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate serves as a senior technical contributor and subject-matter expert, responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.
This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate's resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
  • Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.
  • Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.
  • Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.
  • Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
  • Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
  • Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with government, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDC), academic, and industry partners.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.

Key Skills and Competencies
  • Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
  • Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
  • Proficiency in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
  • Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • Capability to develop and automate experiments using data acquisition and control software (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory results into mission-relevant insights and recommendations.
  • Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum of 10 -12 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
  • Demonstrated experience leading or independently executing complex experimental research efforts.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
  • Experience with DoD laboratories.
  • Background in mission-relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser-matter interactions.
  • Existing DoD clearance.

Company & Division Information
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and critical problems. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA currently has over 2,200 employee-owners in offices throughout the United States and Canada providing a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. In addition, we provide sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employee-owners are at the heart of every success. We embrace employee ownership which spawns greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. All eligible employees have the opportunity to earn annual contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and all of our employee-owners can directly impact our shared success.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Senior Laser Engineer 2 position.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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