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Laser Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Access Laser Company

Laser Test Technician

Everett, WA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Founded in 1999, Access Laser is a leader in designing and manufacturing high-end CO2 lasers. We ... An associate degree in physics, optics, photonics, electronics technology, mechanical engineering ...

Rydberg Technologies

AMO Physicist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... is seeking a dynamic Physicist or Applied Physicist with a background in AMO physics and ... stable lasers, ultra-stable cavities, optical frequency combs, atomic and optical laser ...

Xcimer Energy

Lead Experimental Physicist

Denver, CO

$200K - $225K/yr

Design and execute experiments involving lasers, spectroscopy, imaging, and time resolved ... PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, or equivalent ...

Xcimer Energy

Lead Experimental Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Design and execute experiments involving lasers, spectroscopy, imaging, and time resolved ... PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, or equivalent ...

Xcimer Energy

Lead Experimental Physicist

Denver, CO

$200K - $225K/yr

Design and execute experiments involving lasers, spectroscopy, imaging, and time resolved ... PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, or equivalent ...

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Laser Physicist information

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How much do laser physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Laser Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Laser Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Laser Physicist jobs are:
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Laser Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Physicist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

Ayar Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Principal Laser Controls Engineer
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, Mediatek, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
We are seeking a Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules. 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, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration-ensuring robust, scalable, and production-ready solutions across the full product lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
  • Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture, including: APC (Automatic Power Control) loops for stable optical output, ACC (Automatic Current Control) strategies for laser drive optimization, Automatic calibration frameworks (power, current, aging compensation, temperature drift), and TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) control for wavelength and thermal stability
  • Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops, accounting for: Laser non-linearities (L-I curves, threshold behavior), Aging, degradation, and environmental variations, Noise, stability margins, and transient performance
  • Architect closed-loop control strategies that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability across PVT and lifetime conditions
  • Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware, including: Real-time control loops, Calibration routines (factory + in-field), and Fault detection, protection, and recovery mechanisms
  • Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance

Required Qualifications
  • MS in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field
  • 12+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control
  • APC/ACC loop design and optimization
  • Laser behavior (L-I-V characteristics, thermal effects, degradation mechanisms)
  • Feedback control theory and real-world implementation
  • Proven experience implementing calibration algorithms (factory and adaptive/in-field)
  • Strong embedded firmware background for real-time control systems
  • Proficiency in modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/Simulink or equivalent), with demonstrated correlation to hardware
  • Track record of driving system-level architecture and influencing cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D.
  • Experience with pluggable optical modules and CMIS
  • Familiarity with high-speed optical links, SerDes
  • Experience with reliability engineering (lifetime drift, burn-in, field performance)
  • Exposure to high-volume manufacturing, yield optimization, and test infrastructure

Salary range: $200,000 - $260,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.

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