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Laser Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Madison, WI

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Boulder, CO

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL

$130K - $211K/yr

Design, assemble, and test laser and optical systems. * Ownership of subsystems to maintain high availability and high performance. * Mentor and teach junior team members as indirect reports.

Fuse

Laser Engineer - San Leandro

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Bachelor's/ Master's/ PHD degree in optics, optoelectronics, laser physics, electrical engineering, photonics or a related field * 2+ years' experience in High Energy Laser design, analysis, and ...

BLM Group

Laser Optics Specialist

Novi, MI · On-site

Qualifications • High School Diploma required, associate's degree in laser electro-optics technology, photonics, or a related engineering/physics field preferred, or comparable military experience ...

Ayar Labs

Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

This role demands deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation. You will own the technical vision for laser control-spanning optical power regulation, current control ...

ARA

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources. * Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and ...

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Laser Physicist information

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$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do laser physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Laser Physicist position, and why are they important?

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.

What is the highest paying job for a physicist?

Physicists working in specialized fields such as medical physics, aerospace, or nuclear physics often have the highest salaries, especially those in senior research, management, or industry roles. Positions in private sector companies, government agencies, or with advanced degrees and certifications tend to offer higher compensation compared to academic or entry-level roles.

What degree do you need to work with lasers?

Laser physicists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in physics, optics, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research or development positions. Strong knowledge of optics, laser systems, and laboratory skills are essential, along with experience in experimental design and data analysis.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities for a Laser Physicist?

Laser Physicists typically work on designing, developing, and optimizing laser systems for applications in fields like telecommunications, manufacturing, medical devices, or scientific research. Daily responsibilities often include conducting experiments, analyzing data, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with engineers or other scientists to meet project goals. Many Laser Physicists also document their findings, publish research, or support product development efforts. Collaboration is common, as you may work alongside multidisciplinary teams to integrate laser technologies into new products or processes. This variety keeps the role dynamic and allows for significant professional growth within both industry and academic settings.

What does a laser physicist do?

A laser physicist researches and develops laser technologies, studying the properties of laser light and designing laser systems for applications in science, medicine, industry, and communications. They often work in laboratories, using specialized equipment and mathematical models to improve laser performance and innovate new uses.

Is photonics a good career?

Photonics is a growing field that involves the study and application of light-based technologies, including lasers, optical fibers, and imaging systems. Careers in photonics, such as laser physicists, often require strong backgrounds in physics, engineering, and specialized skills in optics and laser systems, offering opportunities in research, development, and industry sectors. It is considered a promising area with increasing demand for expertise in high-tech and telecommunications industries.

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.

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Laser Physicist jobs near you
R&D Laser Engineer

R&D Laser Engineer

The Reserves Network Inc

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now

Job description

R&D Laser Design Engineer | Full-Time | Direct Hire |Houston
What Matters Most:
• Direct hire opportunity with a leading optoelectronics manufacturer serving high-speed optical communications markets
• High-impact R&D role focused on next-generation semiconductor laser development
• Primary focus on high-power lasers and high-speed EML devices
• Fast-paced new product development environment (2–3 month design-to-validation cycles)
• Close collaboration with epitaxy and fabrication teams from concept through validation
• Competitive base salary up to $200K with relocation support available
Job Description:
A global supplier of optical communication components is seeking an R&D Laser Design Engineer to support the development of advanced semiconductor laser products. This position is focused on device structure design and modeling for high-power and high-speed electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs). The role is centered on epitaxial structure design and optical waveguide development rather than physical layout design. Engineers in this group are responsible for modeling device behavior, validating results through experimental data, and iterating designs to meet aggressive performance and production targets. This is a highly technical, collaborative role within a dynamic R&D team driving new product innovation under tight development schedules.

Responsibilities:
• Design and optimize epitaxial layer structures and optical waveguides for high-power and high-speed semiconductor laser devices
• Perform advanced device modeling and simulations covering optical, electrical, RF, and thermal performance using proprietary tools and Matlab-based platforms
• Collaborate closely with epitaxy and fabrication teams from early-stage concept through process execution and validation
• Analyze experimental characterization data and refine models to improve yield, performance margins, and reliability
• Document technical progress and contribute to design reviews to ensure alignment with performance targets and product timelines

Qualifications and Requirements:
• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optoelectronics, or related field; or M.S. with 5+ years of relevant semiconductor laser design experience
• Demonstrated experience designing high-power lasers and/or high-speed EML devices; VCSEL experience is a plus
• Strong proficiency in Matlab for modeling and data analysis; Python experience is advantageous
• Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics and optoelectronic device theory
• Ability to work in rapid development cycles and meet performance, yield, reliability, and schedule objectives
Preferred / Nice to Have:
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes
• Experience working in cross-functional R&D environments
• Exposure to reliability testing and production yield optimization
• Experience working with proprietary or in-house simulation tools
Benefits and Perks:
• Competitive base salary up to $200K depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Generous PTO policy with unused balance payout
• Relocation assistance within the U.S.
• Immigration sponsorship available (must be authorized to work in the U.S.)
Your New Organization:
You will join a technology-driven organization at the forefront of high-speed optical communication components. The Houston-based team operates in a focused, innovation-oriented R&D environment where engineers directly influence product performance, manufacturability, and time-to-market success.
Your Career Partner:
The Reserves Network is a veteran-founded, family-owned talent solutions firm specializing in engineering and technical placements nationwide. We focus on thoughtful alignment between candidates and organizations and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.