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Laser Physics Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ADDiTEC

R&D Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

You'll work at the intersection of laser physics, thermal control, CNC/PLC programming, and real-time systems. The role involves designing control architectures that coordinate sensors and actuators ...

UNC HEALTH

MRI Technologist II

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$35.87 - $51.57/hr

... Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) ablation for tumor and epilepsy. Additionally ... Physics, and selects appropriate MR acquisition parameters for optimal images quality. 9) ...

All JobsLaser Physics JobsLaser Physics Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Laser Physics information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$37.9K

$45.6K

$51K

How much do laser physics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser physics in Raleigh, NC is $45,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $49,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a laser physicist do?

Laser physicists study the principles and applications of lasers, which are devices that emit light through a process of optical amplification. Their work involves researching how lasers interact with matter, developing new laser technologies, and finding innovative uses for lasers in fields such as medicine, industry, telecommunications, and scientific research. Laser physicists often work in laboratories, designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with engineers and other scientists to advance our understanding and usage of laser technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laser Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a Ph.D. or advanced degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laser systems, optical instrumentation, computational modeling, and safety protocols is essential, along with experience using tools like MATLAB or LabVIEW. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are crucial for advancing research, ensuring experimental accuracy, and collaborating effectively on complex scientific projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in laser physics research and development?

Professionals in laser physics often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex optical setups, maintaining precise alignment and calibration of laser systems, and addressing unexpected experimental results. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers, material scientists, and software developers—is common, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, keeping up with rapid technological advancements and ensuring safety standards in laboratory environments are ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Laser Physics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectLaser PhysicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, specialized laser certificationsEngineering degree, optics certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, laser manufacturingProduct development, optical system design, manufacturing
Industry UsageResearch institutions, laser companiesTech companies, aerospace, telecommunications

Laser Physics focuses on understanding and developing laser systems through research and theoretical work, while Optical Engineers apply optical principles to design and implement practical optical devices and systems. Both roles often overlap in industry and require similar educational backgrounds, but their primary focus differs: one on fundamental science, the other on application and engineering.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Laser Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Physics jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Laser Physics jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Laser Physics job openings:

Laser Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Physics job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,592 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

R&D Controls Engineer

ADDiTEC

Durham, NC • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

About the Role
We are seeking a driven and curious R&D Controls Engineer to join our team developing next-generation metal additive manufacturing systems, including Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) and Laser-Assisted Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printers. 
You'll work at the intersection of laser physics, thermal control, CNC/PLC programming, and real-time systems. The role involves designing control architectures that coordinate sensors and actuators at interpolation cycle rates, developing advanced waveform generation for electromagnetic coil drivers, and collaborating with an external automation integrator (similar to a CSI-type relationship) to push the Siemens Sinumerik platform for additive manufacturing R&D. 
We value mindset over checkbox credentials. If you have a solid controls or automation foundation and the self-motivation to learn new systems quickly, this role will give you the opportunity to work on problems that very few teams in the world are tackling. 
Key Responsibilities 
  • Design, implement, and tune closed-loop control systems for real-time thermal management during metal additive manufacturing. 
  • Develop PLC logic and CNC synchronized actions for coordinating printing. 
  • Implement PID and advanced control strategies (feedforward, adaptive gain scheduling). 
  • Architect and configure CNC/PLC analog and digital I/O for integrating sensors (pyrometers, thermocouples) and actuators (laser power supplies, shutters, micro-motor pyrometer steering) 
  • Develop and validate control algorithms that adapt to varying print speeds, toolpath geometries, and thermal conditions 
  • Develop advanced waveform generation for electromagnetic coil drivers — including sub-thresholding pulse patterns, variable pulse widths, and complex frequency profiles using the Prio card or equivalent hardware 
  • Collaborate with the print optimization and path planning team to ensure control strategies align with toolpath direction, speed profiles, and feature-type transitions 
  • Serve as the internal bridge to automation integrators and Siemens support for CNC/PLC platform issues 
  • Instrument and characterize system dynamics — measure plant transfer functions, identify thermal time constants, and size controller bandwidth accordingly 
  • Support machine commissioning, integration testing, and design-of-experiments for process development 
  • Maintain rigorous documentation of control architectures, tuning parameters, commissioning procedures, and test results 
Required Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering with controls focus (or equivalent demonstrated experience) 
  • 2+ years of experience designing and implementing closed-loop control systems in industrial or R&D environments 
  • Strong foundation in classical control theory: PID tuning, stability analysis, frequency response, and system identification 
  • Hands-on PLC programming experience (Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, or similar industrial automation platforms) 
  • Experience with real-time sensor integration (pyrometers, thermocouples, photodiodes, or similar high-speed analog instrumentation) 
  • Experience configuring and commissioning industrial motion control systems (multi-axis CNC, servo drives, or motion controllers) 
  • Ability to read, develop, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control panel wiring 
  • Proficiency with at least one industrial communication protocol (EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP) 
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Experience with Siemens Sinumerik CNC systems — synchronized actions ($A_INA, $A_OUTA, WHENEVER/DO), structured text, machine data configuration 
  • Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT or similar real-time platforms 
  • Familiarity with laser systems — power modulation, analog control interfaces, safety interlocks 
  • Experience with non-contact temperature measurement (pyrometry) including spectral filtering and emissivity considerations 
  • Background in thermal process control (welding, heat treatment, laser processing, or additive manufacturing) 
  • Knowledge of advanced control methods: feedforward compensation, Smith predictors for transport delay, gain scheduling, or model-predictive control 
  • Electronics design experience — particularly H-bridge circuits, high-current motor drivers, or power electronics 
  • FPGA or microcontroller programming for custom waveform generation or high-speed signal processing 
  • Familiarity with G-code/CNC part program structure and post-processor development 
  • Experience with machine safety systems (STO, SS1, SLS) and relevant standards (IEC 62443, ISO 13849) 
Mindset & Attributes (What Matters Most) 
  • Curious and self-motivated— the kind of engineer who hangs around, asks questions, and tries to figure things out without being told. This is the #1 trait we're looking for 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset — able to diagnose issues across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software domains simultaneously 
  • Self-directed and resourceful in an R&D environment where requirements evolve and solutions aren't predefined 
  • Comfortable iterating rapidly: prototype control logic, test on hardware, analyze data, refine 
  • Clear communicator who can explain control system behavior to mechanical engineers, process engineers, and leadership 
  • Collaborative and low-ego — willing to support builds, run experiments, and do hands-on work alongside design work 
  • Comfortable working with external vendors and automation integrators as technical counterpart 
  • Detail-oriented with a systems-level perspective — understands how a control loop interacts with toolpath planning, thermal physics, and part quality 
What We Offer 
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package 
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing technology at the frontier of closed-loop process control 
  • Direct impact on product development — your control systems directly determine print quality and material properties 
  • A collaborative, low-ego team environment focused on innovation and execution 
  • Exposure to multidisciplinary challenges spanning controls, laser physics, materials science, and CNC systems 
  • A culture that values curiosity, initiative, and continuous improvement 
Even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we strongly encourage you to apply. We'relooking for engineers with the right mindset — people who are curious, self-driven, and excited to learn. If you have a solid technical foundation and the motivation to push boundaries, our team will provide the guidance and resources to get you up to speed quickly. The right attitude and aptitude matter far more than checking every box.