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Laser Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Velo3D

Sustaining Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Sustaining Process Engineer oversees qualification of newly built novel laser powder bed fusion metal 3D printers, monitors qualified printers for printed part quality and consistency, and helps ...

Cspeed

Laser Design Engineer (Epi/Device)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Senior Laser Design Engineer to own device design and simulation for this laser ... The designs produced in this role must be manufacturable, process-tolerant, and optimized for yield ...

Nokia

Principal PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $263K/yr

Lead the design, development, and optimization of InP PIC and laser fabrication processes for high ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum 10 years of experience ...

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

Nokia

Principal PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

... laser fabrication processes for highvolume manufacturing . This role requires deep technical ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum 10 years of experience ...

Conductor

Laser Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

We're looking for laser design engineers to contribute to the designs of Gen 1 and 2 custom laser ... Hands-on experience and ideally ownership of at least one part of the aforementioned process

Nokia

Staff PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

As a Staff PIC Process Development Engineer , you will be a senior individual contributor within ... Lead the design, development, and optimization of InP PIC and laser fabrication processes for high ...

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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 Aug 23, 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 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 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.

Sustaining Process Engineer

Velo3D

Fremont, CA • On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Overview: 
The Sustaining Process Engineer oversees qualification of newly built novel laser powder bed fusion metal 3D printers, monitors qualified printers for printed part quality and consistency, and helps improve operational efficiency of part printing and post processing.  The Process Engineer will work both independently and on teams with other engineers and technicians under the supervision of engineering management to put together project plans, qualify tools for production, prepare reports for release to the customer, execute experimental designs, monitor tool health and continuously improve monitoring capabilities, and optimize workflows.
Responsibilities
  •  Work independently to execute experiments, prepare printers, schedule files to be printed, troubleshoot issues that occur during print and analyze qualification builds after print.
  • Make detailed observations of experiments, note any anomalies on the tool during the run, and troubleshoot issues that arise.
  • Perform all post-build analysis including metrology measurements such as visual inspection, surface roughness measurements, X-ray inspection, and metallographic analysis.
  • Analyze in-build metrology data to gain insight into qualification builds and identify action items.
  • Responsible for recording all data in a summary presentation for each qualification experiment and prepare report that summarizes results.
  • Work with applications team to analyze first article and production builds, help troubleshoot novel problems, propose, test, and document solutions.
  • Work with lab technicians to identify and resolve bottlenecks in all stages of part production.
  • Work with hardware and software teams to validate and provide feedback on new features.
  • Follow procedures to operate 3D printers and disposition qualification builds.
  • Prepare/update SOP's, checklists, and analysis guides.
  • Participate in team and other assigned meetings.
  • Other duties as needed or required.
Qualifications

Education:
Required:  Bachelors degree in engineering from an accredited university.
Experience: 
Desired:  2+ years of prior experience in advanced manufacturing industry, recent college graduates with extensive hands-on experience will be considered.

Other Requirements:
        High commitment to contribute to a positive, high paced, and results oriented work environment
        Strong desire to work for a dynamic company working on disruptive technologies and make it a success, high level of tolerance to ambiguity
        Creativity in problem solving: ability to quantify problems and develop analytical solution development, proficient in data-driven decision making
        Demonstrated ability to be disciplined in approach and thought process
        Team-oriented and self-directed
        Hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing samples using optical microscopy, 3-D profilometers and digital radiography
        Experience in JMP is highly desirable
        Python, JSL scripting is a plus
        Experience with CAD (e.g. SolidWorks) is a plus
        High level of accountability
Physical Requirement while working in laboratory:
        Must wear steel-toed boots
        Must wear protective eye-wear
        May require hearing protection
        High frequency of computer keyboarding
        High frequency of viewing a computer monitor
        Other personal protective equipment as applicable

About the Company:
 
Velo, Velo3D, Sapphire and Intelligent Fusion are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. Without Compromise, Flow, Flow Developer, and Assure are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.
 
With the only SupportFree laser powder bed fusion capability, we enable on-demand manufacturing of production quality Titanium, Inconel, and Aluminum parts with an unprecedented degree of design freedom and quality control. The VELO3D award-winning solution includes an integrated offering of hardware and software: Sapphire metal AM production printer, Flow print preparation software, Assure quality assurance and control system, and an integrated manufacturing process that runs throughout the printing operation.
 
Our team enjoys excellent benefits including healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions. We believe in transparency and recognizing exceptional efforts through our monthly all-hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.
 
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting base salary for this full-time position is between $100,000 and $115,000. This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position in the U.S. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience, job-related skills, related education, work location, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. In addition to a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, this position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and equity program, as applicable.
 
Velo3D provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to, and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on, race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
 
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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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