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Laser Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Laser Scientist

Denver, CO

Master's degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, chemistry, or related field * Experience: 6+ years of experience in the fields of optical physics and lasers * Expertise in laser physics ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

Desired * PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields. * Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing. * Experience in laser gain dynamics

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Desired * PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields. * Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing. * Experience in laser gain dynamics

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Desired * PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields. * Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing. * Experience in laser gain dynamics

Tekla Research

Research Physicist

Washington, DC

$145K - $185K/yr

... power laser physics. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that directly impacts the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The successful candidate will work as ...

Tekla Research

Research Physicist

Washington, DC

$145K - $185K/yr

... power laser physics. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that directly impacts the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The successful candidate will work as ...

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 ...

Ayar Labs

Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $275K/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 ...

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 ...

Allina Health

$32.92 - $45.12/hr

Instructs physicians and surgical staff regarding laser physics, safety, tissue interactions, and preoperative concerns. * Maintains and provides accurate documentation. * Consults on site ...

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How much do laser physics jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser physics in the United States is $46,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 do laser physicists 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 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.

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Laser Physics jobs near you

Laser Scientist

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
 
As a Laser Scientist, you will apply your skills and creativity to develop high-energy excimer lasers! You will work alongside the Theory & Computation, Laser Architecture, and Engineering teams to optimize the designs of laser oscillators and amplifiers to meet our unique performance needs. We are looking for our scientists and engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!
Responsibilities
  • Quickly come up to speed on excimer laser modeling (chemical/plasma kinetics, optical amplification, electron beam pumping, etc.)
  • Improve kinetics models and develop new models based on experimental results and digging into past literature
  • Utilize and improve existing laser oscillator and amplifier simulation tools (Python, MATLAB)
  • Incorporate input from stakeholders to design new electron-beam-pumped excimer laser oscillators and amplifiers in collaboration with other disciplines
  • Contribute to our internal suite of simulation tools and knowledge base with clear documentation
  • Think outside the box to identify and solve unique challenges involving big lasers!
Qualifications
  • Education: Master’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, chemistry, or related field
  • Experience: 6+ years of experience in the fields of optical physics and lasers
  • Expertise in laser physics (rate equations, gain dynamics, optical propagation, etc.)
  • Scientific computing proficiency using Python (preferred), MATLAB, C++, etc.
  • Strong foundation of optical physics and experience modeling non-Gaussian beam propagation
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully design laser systems
  • Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, including documentation of technical results
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee of granted asylum
Desired
  • Ph.D. in physics, optics, electrical engineering, chemistry, or related field
  • 8+ years of experience in the fields of optical physics and lasers
  • Demonstrated ability to design high-intensity and/or high-complexity lasers
  • Hands-on experience building or using high-intensity/high-energy lasers, excimer lasers, or other gas lasers
  • Experience modeling excimer lasers, other gas lasers, chemical/plasma kinetics, or amplified spontaneous emission
  • Laser oscillator expertise, including mode competition, unstable resonators, and injection seeding
  • Demonstrated successful collaboration on code with a team
  • Working knowledge of nonlinear optics
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.
 
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company’s long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.