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Laser Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$108K - $133K/yr

Maintain process ownership over released production processes and equipment to monitor for ... laser, or optics focus), or Engineering with a minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience.

Apple

Haptic Module Process Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

In the ATG-Packaging group at Apple, we are seeking a senior process engineer to participate in the ... Familiar with Laser systems and laser material joining and processing, molding, large panel ...

Nokia

Staff PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site +1

As a Staff PIC Process Development Engineer , you will be a senior individual contributor within ... Minimum 3 years of industry experience developing and manufacturing InP PIC or laser fabrication ...

Apple

Haptic Module Process Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

In the ATG-Packaging group at Apple, we are seeking a senior process engineer to participate in the ... Familiar with Laser systems and laser material joining and processing, molding, large panel ...

Semtech

Backend Process Engineer

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

... lasers, Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs), and Gain Chip products. This role provides ... Provide process engineering support for AR/HR optical coatings and vendor qualifications

KYOCERA SLD LASER INC

Process Technician

Goleta, CA

$30 - $34.50/hr

Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power ... Process lots in wafer fab (lithography, thin film deposition, dry etch, wet etch, microscopy ...

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc

Process Technician

Fremont, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power ... Process lots in wafer fab (lithography, thin film deposition, dry etch, wet etch, microscopy ...

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All JobsLaser Process Engineer JobsLaser Process Engineer Jobs in California

Laser Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$110.6K

$185.5K

How much do laser process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser process engineer in California is $110,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,700.00 and $159,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laser Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laser Process Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, physics, or engineering, often supported by a related bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with laser systems, CAD software, and process control tools, as well as certifications in laser safety, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise process development, safe operation, and successful collaboration on high-precision manufacturing projects.

What does a Laser Process Engineer do?

A Laser Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting processes that use lasers in manufacturing or research environments. They work with laser systems to cut, weld, engrave, or modify materials, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. Their role often involves collaborating with design, production, and quality teams to implement and improve laser-based applications, as well as maintaining equipment and writing technical documentation. Laser Process Engineers may also conduct experiments to determine best practices and support the integration of new laser technologies.

What are some typical challenges a Laser Process Engineer faces when developing new laser applications?

Laser Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing process parameters to achieve precise results, ensuring consistent quality across different materials, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Working closely with cross-functional teams—like design, quality, and manufacturing—is common to address these issues efficiently. Continuous learning is vital, as new laser technologies and materials frequently emerge, requiring ongoing adaptation and innovation. Successfully overcoming these challenges helps engineers advance to senior roles or specialize further within the field.

What is the difference between Laser Process Engineer vs Laser Manufacturing Technician?

AspectLaser Process EngineerLaser Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications in laser technologyHigh school diploma or associate degree, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and troubleshoot laser processes in labs or production settingsOperate and maintain laser equipment on the manufacturing floor
Industry UsageUsed across industries like aerospace, automotive, electronicsPrimarily in manufacturing plants for assembly and fabrication
Job FocusProcess development, improvement, and technical problem-solvingEquipment operation, routine maintenance, and quality checks

The main difference between a Laser Process Engineer and a Laser Manufacturing Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. The engineer focuses on developing and optimizing laser processes, requiring higher education and technical expertise. In contrast, the technician operates and maintains laser equipment, often with less formal education but essential hands-on skills for daily manufacturing tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Process Engineer jobs in California? For Laser Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laser Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Laser Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Laser Process Engineer job openings:
Laser Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,628 per year, or $53.2 per hour.
Principal Laser Process Engineer

Principal Laser Process Engineer

Diamond Foundry

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

Diamond Foundry Inc. is solving the thermal limitation at the foundation of today's most exciting tech industries -- AI & cloud compute, electric-car power electronics, and 5G/6G wireless. We have managed to produce the world's first single-crystal diamond wafers and are now on a mission to put a diamond behind every chip. We are the rare unicorn that has grown fast and profitably. We received $515m in funding and are executing a multi-$B expansion plan for one of the greenest forms of tech manufacturing: converting greenhouse gas into diamond wafers using zero-emission energy.

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Principal Laser Process Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. You will coordinate the development of new ablative processes by working with cross-functional teams of mechanical, electrical, automation, optical, software, and systems engineers to improve and deploy these technologies company-wide. In addition to performing hands-on experiments and developing cutting-edge processes, you'll be helping mentor team members in performing rigorous, well-designed experiments and making fact-based decisions.
Responsibilities
  • Optimize high-power ablative laser processes to deliver micron-precision dimensional modification of diamond at high yields and throughput.
  • As a principal engineer, you will not only perform hands-on experiments but also mentor team members in using lab and production equipment to generate data-driven process improvements.
  • Lead key projects focused on equipment and automation improvements to support scalable manufacturing.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert, overseeing laser and related processes while optimizing process controls and data collection to drive continuous improvement.
  • Revolutionize high-power ablative systems to create world-leading throughput and precision performance.
Requirements
  • Advanced degree in  Materials Science, Applied Physics (materials, laser, or optics focus), or Engineering with a minimum of 8+ years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise with applying optical fundamentals, laser materials processing, and resolving technical problems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in rigorous experimentation, documentation, and data-driven process improvements.
  • Experience with mass production of diamond, semiconductors, and/or ceramics is a plus.
$150,000 - $180,000 a year
The position is eligible for company shares. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's job duties, experience, and expertise. We will also consider higher level candidates and salary will be adjusted accordingly.
Diamond Foundry believes in supporting our employees from the workplace to their personal and home life. We provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. Perks include employee discounts to VRAI. Our benefits begin as early as your first day of employment. Medical and vision coverage are retroactive to your start date, while dental and voluntary benefits take effect once you've completed your enrollment.

Diamond Foundry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

Diamond Foundry Inc. is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our manufacturing and engineering departments adhere to the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance. Additionally, these departments may have specific physical requirements to ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and strive to create a work environment that promotes both legal compliance and the optimal functioning of our manufacturing and engineering processes.

Manufacturing and Engineering Departments Physical Requirements:
-Use appropriate PPE and follow all safety policies, practices, and procedures.
-This position will often: Sit, stand for long periods, walk, grasp, reach with hands and arms, lift below and above shoulders, bend, twist at the waist,  climb, balance, stoop, squat,  kneel, crawl, talk, hear, see, use fine finger manipulation, and complete repetitive motions. 
-Some tasks may require the use of ladders or stairs
-Some tasks may require driving or the use of foot controls
-Lift/carry and push/pull up to 50 pound

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.
Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
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.
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