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Laser Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Desired Qualifications * BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components. Experience ...

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Desired Qualifications * BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components. Experience ...

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Desired Qualifications * BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components. Experience ...

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 ...

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 ...

Desired Qualifications * BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components. Experience ...

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 ...

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 ...

Laser Programmer

Easley, SC · On-site

$20/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Laser Operator / Programmer to support production in a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for operating, programming, and maintaining laser ...

Laser Programmer & Operator

Cornelia, GA

$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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Laser Engineering information

See salary details

$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:
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.
Laser Engineer

$103K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary
Develop next-generation laser products in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company. Take products from concept phase through product release and into manufacturing as a core member of an interdisciplinary team.
Functions
  • Contribute to cross-functional development teams to deliver innovative laser products.
  • Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace laser products.
  • Provide technical leadership within a structured product-development process, including planning and tracking, leading experimental and modeling activities, conducting data and design reviews, leading problem-solving teams and failure analyses, and documenting and reporting results.
  • Develop and refine fiber processing tools and techniques to enable manufacturing of lasers and critical components.
  • Develop optical diagnostic methods and tools for characterizing lasers and components.
  • Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, and translate market needs into product development projects.
  • Direct activities of technicians.
Desired Qualifications
  • BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
  • Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components. Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto-mechanics is advantageous.
  • Experience with measurement tools and techniques for characterizing the spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics of high-power lasers.
  • Solid analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with statistical analysis tools, simulation software, statistical process control, and design of experiments.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally as both a team leader and a contributor.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Laser Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000annually
  • Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000annually
  • Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5-6% of earned wages, depending on level
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular