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Laser Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Senior Principal Laser Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program ...

Coherent Corp.

Laser Processing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

Align and calibrate laser optical system * Calibrate and maintain laser galvo system * Work with multi-disciplinary team to guide design and simulation optimization loops for channel geometry and ...

Coherent

Laser Processing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA

Align and calibrate laser optical system * Calibrate and maintain laser galvo system * Work with multi-disciplinary team to guide design and simulation optimization loops for channel geometry and ...

Solestial, Inc.

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, photonics, or laser-based materials processing through academic research, internships, or industry experience * Comfortable working with hardware-building ...

Airbus Ventures

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, photonics, or laser-based materials processing through academic research, internships, or industry experience * Comfortable working with hardware--building ...

Solestial, Inc.

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, photonics, or laser-based materials processing through academic research, internships, or industry experience * Comfortable working with hardware--building ...

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How much do laser optics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser optics in the United States is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is laser optics?

Laser optics is a specialized field focused on the components and systems that manipulate laser light, such as lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and filters. Professionals in laser optics design, test, and maintain optical devices used in applications ranging from scientific research and telecommunications to manufacturing and medicine. Their work ensures that laser beams are precisely controlled for tasks like cutting materials, transmitting data, or conducting precise measurements. A solid understanding of physics, materials science, and optical engineering is essential in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser optics engineer?

To excel as a Laser Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as optical engineering or applied physics. Familiarity with optical design software (like Zemax or Code V), laser alignment equipment, and laboratory measurement tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies are critical for developing precise optical systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring high-performance results in research or industrial applications.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in laser optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Laser Optics often encounter challenges related to precise alignment, maintaining beam quality, and managing optical component contamination. Working in controlled environments and adhering to strict cleanliness protocols are crucial for ensuring system reliability. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers and physicists—is common, and strong communication skills help in troubleshooting and optimizing optical setups. Staying updated with the latest advancements and regularly calibrating equipment can also mitigate many common issues.

Are laser optics technicians in high demand?

Laser optics technicians are in steady demand due to their specialized skills in aligning, testing, and maintaining laser systems used in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and research. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as laser technology advances and expands into new applications, often requiring technical certifications and knowledge of optical components and equipment.

What degree do you need to work with laser optics?

A career in laser optics typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in physics, optical engineering, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D., along with skills in optics design, laser systems, and laboratory experience.
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Laser Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Optics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,394 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Laser Processing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA • On-site

II-VI Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about II-VI Aerospace & Defenseexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Job description


Job Summary
As a Laser Processing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in our R&D department. Your primary responsibility will be to design and optimize laser machining processes for high-end thermal management components, ensuring efficient and effective solutions. This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a technical degree, offering an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to innovative projects.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop and run laser cut strategies, optimizing for cut quality and material removal rate
  • Create a preventative maintenance schedule for laser processing systems and address system faults and issues as they arise.
  • Conduct metrology on sample cuts and verify conformance with product drawings
  • Conduct thermal testing on prototype pieces, including but not limited to thermal test vehicle (TTV) testing, flow tests, pressure tests, etc.
  • Align and calibrate laser optical system
  • Calibrate and maintain laser galvo system
  • Work with multi-disciplinary team to guide design and simulation optimization loops for channel geometry and features.

Education & Experience
Education: 4 year Science or Engineering Degree, BS minimum requirement.
Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD
Experience: College science lab and engineering project experience.
Skills & Other Requirements
  • High organization skills, motivation, good inter-personal skills for interfacing with customers and other departments.
  • Good analytical skills for problem solving, good technical writing skills, and some computer programming skills.
  • Strong physics understanding, therefore, able to do theoretical analysis, both optical and electrical.
  • Concise report writing is also required to aid in communicating complex optical issues.
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills
  • Automation and scripting experience preferred
  • Laser processing/material removal experience preferred but not required

Working Conditions
Office, general laboratory, high power laser operation
Physical Requirements
Office and general laboratory.
Good laser safety and electrical safety practices are essential.
  • Standing (hours per day): 2-3 hours
  • Lifting (lbs.): up to 20 lbs solo and 50 lbs in a team lift
  • Pushing/Pulling (lbs.): none
  • Sitting (hours per day): 5-6 hours

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and COHERENT Corporate EHS standards.
Good laser and electrical safety practices are essential.
Quality & Environmental Responsibilities
Responsible for all operations of optical design group which includes work distribution,
organization, documentation, software selection, training, risk assessment design quality for entire group.
  • Confidential Information: Often involved with proprietary information belonging to Coherent and its customers.
  • Involved with assessing technical feasibility towards setting strategic direction of IR Engineering and NPI activities.
    Contacts with Others: Contact with outside customers, by traveling overseas and domestically and by phone and written communications, regarding optical design and electro-optic design and support during the quotation, ordering, and post order support stages.

Extensive interfacing with the sales department during the quotation of special optics and electro-optics.
Strong interfacing with manufacturing and QA departments to solve design and manufacturing issues.
Support documentation and filing of Coherent Patents and Trade Secrets.
Training and mentoring other Coherent employees.
Transfer of new products manufacturing and testing from prototype to production.
Errors: Errors may result in manufacturing costs, scrapped parts and poor delivery to our customers. Technical reputation of Coherent may be jeopardized by errors made in this role.
Engineer must possess ability for self monitoring and error checking so that errors are kept to a minimum.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement laser machining processes for thermal management components.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand product requirements and design specifications.
  • Optimize laser parameters and machining strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Conduct experiments and analyze data to improve process efficiency and quality.
  • Document and maintain records of process development and optimization activities.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser technology and its applications.
  • Support the manufacturing team in implementing and troubleshooting laser processes.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations during laser processing.
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members as needed.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • Strong knowledge of laser principles and applications, preferably with an understanding of mechanical components.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
  • Proficiency in using relevant software for laser process simulation and design.
  • Good communication and collaboration skills for effective teamwork.
  • Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control.
  • Knowledge of thermal management principles is an asset.
  • No prior experience is required, as this is an entry-level position.

About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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