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Laser Physicist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

... or physics-related engineering field Knowledge and Skills: Experience with fiber optics and fiber components. Proficient optical and laser alignment skills Experience with optoelectronic device ...

Sr RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$183K - $274K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline with 15 ... RF and laser communication expertise and/or familiarity KBR Benefits KBR offers a selection of ...

Sr RF Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$183K - $274K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline with 15 ... RF and laser communication expertise and/or familiarity KBR Benefits KBR offers a selection of ...

Showing results 41-60

Laser Physicist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$40.8K

$98K

$234.2K

How much do laser physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser physicist in Silver Spring, MD is $98,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $115,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 optical sciences. Gaining experience through research, internships, or laboratory work and developing skills in optics, laser systems, and experimental techniques are essential for this role.

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 popular job titles related to Laser Physicist jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Laser Physicist jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Laser Physicist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,007 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Lead Aerospace Payload Systems Engineer

Fibertek

Herndon, VA

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and other aerospace customers. We are looking for an experienced Aerospace Payload Systems Engineer to join our R&D team in Herndon, Virginia.

As the Lead Aerospace Payload Systems Engineer, you will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in the development, assembly, and test of spaceflight or airborne hardware systems. This requires a working knowledge of development processes, performance and environmental testing, and systems integration. You will identify and lead the mitigation of program technical risks and manage the definition and documentation of program interfaces.

You will develop rigorous systems engineering processes from the ground up. Strong leadership and communication skills are required to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team from project formulation through final flight hardware delivery. Duties and Responsibilities: Work in cross-functional teams with program managers, scientists, and engineers to develop new technologies and laser systems for military and space applications System level oversight of product development including review and approval of system and subsystem requirements, decomposition of requirements and allocation to system, subsystem, and component levels Reduce customer specifications and technical governing documents into design and test requirements, track compliance and verification through design, assembly, integration, and test completion Manage requirements baselines including traceability between system, subsystem, and component specifications through a formal requirements management process Lead development of internal and external interfaces through a formal interface management process Perform technology assessments and trade studies Conduct risk assessments and analyses Lead investigations and develop solutions to technical problems Lead the development of test processes, test equipment designs, test configurations, and systems integration Design and support the execution of system and subsystem verification testing Support bid and proposal efforts and assist in the development of new businessExperience and Expertise Required: A bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or optics, with a master's degree preferred A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a preference for prior experience developing systems for military or space applications Experience in Systems Engineering with an emphasis on requirements development, test planning, test documentation, and systems integration, verification, and validation Experience developing and managing system and subsystem requirements flowdown Demonstrated ability to lead the implementation of systems engineering best practices and tools from the ground up Experience with systems engineering and requirements management software tools including model-based systems engineering (MBSE) Ability to effectively communicate technical results and report problems through written and/or graphical formats Experience with space-based and/or electro-optical hardware is a plus U.S

citizenship is required Hold or can acquire a Secret or Top-Secret Clearance preferred Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$225,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.Experience and Expertise Required: A bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or optics, with a master's degree preferred A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a preference for prior experience developing systems for military or space applications Experience in Systems Engineering with an emphasis on requirements development, test planning, test documentation, and systems integration, verification, and validation Experience developing and managing system and subsystem requirements flowdown Demonstrated ability to lead the implementation of systems engineering best practices and tools from the ground up Experience with systems engineering and requirements management software tools including model-based systems engineering (MBSE) Ability to effectively communicate technical results and report problems through written and/or graphical formats Experience with space-based and/or electro-optical hardware is a plus U.S

citizenship is required Hold or can acquire a Secret or Top-Secret Clearance preferred Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$225,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.