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Laser Optics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quantinuum

Advanced Laser Engineer - 876

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

Participate in a team of laser scientists and optical engineers supporting the development and builds of commercial and research systems for quantum computing * Provide technical expertise to laser ...

Protingent

Mechanical Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Mechanical Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting Direct Hire ... Develop and validate mechanical tolerance stack-ups, ensuring proper alignment of laser optics and ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA

PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with Major in Physics * 10+ years' experience with lasers, optics, imaging systems * Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical ...

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

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 ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Lasers & Optics team is looking for an Optical Engineer to design and build the free-space optical path for our next generation laser communications system. This role spans the transmitter beam ...

Attalon, Inc.

Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$102K - $182K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with Major in Physics * 10+ years' experience with lasers, optics, imaging systems * Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design ... for laser beamlines, diagnostics, adaptive optics systems, beam transport systems, and related ...

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Laser Optics Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do laser optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser optics engineer 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 in the Laser Optics Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Laser Optics Engineer typically needs a background in physics or engineering, with expertise in laser systems, optical design, and photonics. Familiarity with simulation and design software (such as Zemax or LightTools), and experience using laboratory measurement equipment, are often required, along with certifications in optics or laser safety being advantageous. Strong problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication skills are crucial in this collaborative, multidisciplinary field. These competencies ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and integration of advanced optical systems in real-world applications.

What is a Laser Optics Engineer job?

A Laser Optics Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes optical systems that use lasers for applications in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, medical devices, and defense. They work with optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and fiber optics to ensure precise laser performance. Responsibilities include simulation, testing, and troubleshooting optical systems. They often collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate laser technology into complex systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Laser Optics Engineer?

Laser Optics Engineers typically spend their days designing and developing laser systems, conducting simulations and experiments in laboratory settings, and troubleshooting optical performance issues. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers and manufacturing staff, to ensure that system requirements are met and components are integrated successfully. Additionally, they document test results, refine designs based on feedback or research findings, and may participate in meetings with clients or internal stakeholders. This blend of design, hands-on experimentation, and teamwork creates a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

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What cities are hiring for Laser Optics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Laser Optics Engineer job openings:
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Laser Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Optics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Optical Engineer, Lasers and Photonics

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Cowboy Space Corp.
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the Role:
The Lasers & Optics team is looking for a Laser & Photonics Engineer to design and build the next generation communication backbone to our orbital datacenters. This role requires hands-on experience with fiber laser systems and a strong foundation in fiber-optic component integration and characterization. You will work closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to bring up and verify the end-to-end communications link.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop high-power fiber laser and amplifier systems for space-based applications.
  • Characterize laser sources including linewidth, phase noise, RIN, and spectral purity.
  • Select, integrate, and qualify fiber-optic components and subsystems for integration into a space-based platform.
  • Perform and supervise fiber splicing and assembly of fiber-optic subassemblies.
  • Model and measure fiber nonlinearity effects including SBS and SPM.
  • Design and align coherent fiber-optic receivers.
  • Develop and execute test plans for optical performance verification including BER, eye diagrams, and spectral measurements.
  • Generate design specifications, assembly procedures, and test reports.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with fiber-optic systems including splicing, component integration, and characterization.
  • Experience with rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers.
  • Familiarity with fiber-optic communications modulation formats.
  • Experience operating OSAs, power meters, polarimeters, and high-speed oscilloscopes.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
  • Hands-on experience building and characterizing MOPA fiber amplifier chains.
  • Familiarity with SBS, SPM, and other nonlinearity effects in high-power fiber systems.
  • Experience with interferometric optical receivers or coherent detection front-ends.
  • 5+ years of experience in a laser communications, defense, or aerospace photonics role.
  • Experience with free-space optical communications or LEO inter-satellite links.
  • Experience with environmental validation of space-based laser systems (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
  • Experience with Class 4 laser lab environments.

Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements:
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer:
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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