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Laser Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Materials & Process Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities This role will be primarily tasked with providing engineering support for materials and processes, including welding (Laser, TIG, and Resistance), soldering, brazing, precision ...

Process Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, industrializing, and continuously improving ... soldering, laser welding, and actuator assembly. * Drive innovation in motor manufacturing ...

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 ...

Familiarity with fabricating III-V compound semiconductor devices, such as edge-emitting lasers ... Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Design, Production Engineering, and other cross-functional ...

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

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 ...

Overview The Laser Engineer is critically responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing ... Familiarity with space qualification processes and environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration ...

Act as an internal consultant on materials science related to laser processing * Routine ... CNC or robotic programming, material science and vision systems skills considered a plus * Must ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 2, 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 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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Laser Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Laser Process Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Laser Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,628 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

MTS Process Integration Engineer

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc

Fremont, CA • On-site

$157K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine's Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.

To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at info@kyocerasldlaser.com or 18667535273.


Job Description

The MTS Process Integration Engineer is responsible for driving new product introduction activities including designing, developing, and optimizing processes and products. They work closely with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and solve technical challenges.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the R&D to translate laser design requirements into manufacturable processes.
  • Develop, design, and optimize manufacturing processes and systems for the production of various products, ensuring adherence to quality standards and specifications.
  • Implement process flow and maintain process control techniques and practices to ensure high yield and uniformity across production batches.
  • Collaborate with Rel/FA engineers to conduct rigorous analysis and characterization of fabricated devices to ensure they meet the specified performance criteria, utilizing tools like SEM, AFM, and optical microscopy.
  • Utilize data analysis and statistical tools for data mining process and devices parameters and implement data-driven solutions for improvement.
  • Document all process developments, modifications, and optimizations for future reference and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with industry and company quality standards and participate in quality control initiatives.
  • Follow safety guidelines and environmental regulations and contribute to sustainability and safety initiatives.
  • Monitor and manage production costs, identify areas for cost reduction, and work on cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related physical science discipline.
  • Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in an optoelectronic company, with a focus on one or more laser categories: high-power multimode lasers, or low-power single-mode lasers, DFBs, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), SOAs.
  • Experiences on diverse grating process methodologies on Gallium Nitride are a big plus, from photolithography, ebeam-lithography, holographic, nanoimprint.
  • Experience with mask design tool (L-Edit, Cadence or Klayout)
  • Experience with several of the following processes and tools for Gallium Nitride processes: ICP, RIE, PECVD, E-beam deposition, lithography , Sputter, ellipsometer, SEM, AFM, profilometers.
  • Strong dataset process analysis using software such as JMP or Python
  • Experience in a quality certified environment, i.e. ISO9001, 5S, 8D, lean six sigma
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

The full-time base salary range for the MTS Process Integration Engineer position is $157,000 to $185,000 per annum. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.


Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k