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Laser Physicist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

LAM RESEARCH Corporation

Process Engineer 5

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... PVD), or Pulsed Laser Deposition. * Background in Plasma Physics, Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), Atomic Layer Etching (ALE), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP)

Onto

Senior Manager, Systems Engineering

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Provide engineering leadership on the physics, optimization, and technical problem solving for ... lasers/modulators, detection subsystems. Skills * Strong technical background and ability to ...

INFICON

Field Applications Engineer Leader

OR · Remote

... laser cutting and many other industrial processes. We also leverage our expertise in vacuum ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry or Physics with 5 or more years of applications ...

Onto

Senior Manager, Systems Engineering

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Provide engineering leadership on the physics, optimization, and technical problem solving for ... lasers/modulators, detection subsystems. Skills * Strong technical background and ability to ...

Lam Research

Process Engineer 5

Tualatin, OR · Hybrid

... Laser Deposition Background in Plasma Physics, Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), Atomic Layer Etching (ALE), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP). Knowledge of Material ...

INFICON

Field Applications Engineer Leader

OR · On-site +1

$170K - $207K/yr

... laser cutting and many other industrial processes. We also leverage our expertise in vacuum ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry or Physics with 5 or more years of applications ...

Onto

Principal Systems Engineer

Hillsboro, OR

Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Physics, or related field). * 10+ ... Knowledge of precision motion systems, optics, vacuum systems, or laser-based instrumentation.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLaser Physicist JobsLaser Physicist Jobs in Oregon

Laser Physicist information

See Oregon salary details

$41.8K

$100.2K

$239.5K

How much do laser physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser physicist in Oregon is $100,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a laser physicist do?

A Laser Physicist researches, develops, and applies laser technology for scientific, industrial, medical, or defense applications. They study laser generation, manipulation, and interactions with materials to enhance performance or discover new uses. Their work can involve designing laser systems, optimizing beam properties, and ensuring safety standards. They often collaborate with engineers and researchers to develop cutting-edge laser-based solutions.

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

To thrive as a Laser Physicist, you need a strong background in physics or optical engineering, advanced mathematics, and hands-on experience with laser systems, usually supported by at least a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software, optical design tools (such as Zemax or COMSOL), and laser safety certifications is often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help distinguish top candidates in collaborative research and development settings. These competencies are crucial for safely designing, operating, and optimizing complex laser systems in both industrial and academic environments.

How do you become a laser physicist?

To become a laser physicist, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in physics, optics, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in laser physics or photonics. Gaining experience through research, internships, or laboratory work, along with developing skills in optics, laser systems, and experimental techniques, is essential for advancing in this field.

How much do laser physicists make?

Laser physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in optics, laser systems, and research can lead to higher compensation, especially in industrial or research settings.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Physicist jobs in Oregon?

For Laser Physicist jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Physicist jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Physicist jobs in Oregon are:

Laser Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Physicist job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,236 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Director of Manufacturing Operations - Hillsboro

nLIGHT

Hillsboro, OR

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

About nLIGHT
 
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).
 
Director of Manufacturing Operations
 
The Director of Manufacturing Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production. This role ensures operational excellence by managing strategic planning, production execution, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve world-class standards in quality, delivery, efficiency, and safety. The director drives continuous improvement and innovation, supporting the company's growth and competitiveness in both military and commercial markets.
 
Responsibilities
  • Manages strategic and tactical aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production for medium-to-high-volume production of ruggedized military & commercial products
  • Establishes production schedules with planning and business groups and executes against schedule to meet goals for revenue, on-time delivery and lead-time
  • Provides supervision and leadership to direct reports including employee performance management, motivating and facilitating continuous learning and development, conducting annual performance appraisals, and providing timely feedback and recognition.
  • Meets aggressive, world-class goals on quality, cycle time, yield and cost
  • Leads global multi-disciplinary teams to deliver new products, sustaining engineering, and NPI of laser-based product lines as part of key strategy in vertically integrated organization.
  • Analyzes bottlenecks and establishes sufficient capacity to cost-effectively meet production demands
  • Drives continuous improvement opportunities and yield metrics utilizing wide variety of analytical techniques (such as FMEA, SPC, DOE, Gage R&R, 8D), lean manufacturing, and six sigma concepts.
  • Coordinates with facilities, including maintenance and build-outs, for optimal uptime and cost
  • Interfaces with senior leadership and various support functions such as Supply Chain, Development Engineering, Quality, Finance, HR, and IT as required to establish plans and execute against them
  • Collaborates with R&D to analyze competition, market trends, emerging technology and drives strategic engineering projects into production as capable products & processes.
  • Ensures strong safety program in place
  • Manages and motivates direct staff
  • Builds upon ISO9001:2000 certified quality management system in place
 
Qualifications
  • Requires a BS in Engineering (Optical, Physics, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical) and 10+ years high-tech manufacturing experience with at least five years in a managerial role, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • MS in Engineering or Business is preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in product & process development, NPI or process control of laser systems/photonic components
  • 8+ years of experience working for company providing products for US Defense and/or Government Contracting.
  • Working knowledge of FAR/DFAR requirements, and ITAR-compliant operations
  • Skilled in implementing and utilizing lean manufacturing, SPC, ERP, and MRP systems
  • Strong business and people skills, including strategic thinking, executive communication, and basic business financial acumen
  • Strong record of developing and transferring products and processes related to laser systems and photonic components
  • Strong record of effective judgement and decisiveness, clear thinking, problem solving through structured methodologies
  • Strong situational leadership skills, record of developing great teams and strong hires
  • Sets very strong culture of accountability, disciplined thinking, integrity and expectations, leads by example
  • APICS CPIM experience is preferred, but not required
  • Six Sigma Black Belt is preferred, but not required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Excellent team player
  • Demonstrated ability to protect confidential and proprietary information and exercise discretion.
  • Ability to travel up to 15%
 
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 
 
Starting pay depends on qualifications: 
  • Director of Manufacturing Operations: $160,000 - $185,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits 
  • Target Cash Bonus of 15% of earned wages
  • 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  

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