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Laser Programmer Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

... turret punches, lasers, combination turret/laser machines, press brakes, etc.) and related ... Provides technical support for the team across all shifts (manufacturing operators, maintenance ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Create complete job setup packages, including setup sheets, tool lists, fixture designs, operator ... Program and operate laser tracking systems for large-part inspection, alignment, machine ...

... operating practices. * Track process performance and lead initiatives aimed at continuous ... laser damage. * Proficiency in coating design software and optical simulation tools. * Basic ...

PROCESS ENGINEER

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

... lasers, and turret punches), welding, and mechanical assembly. * With limited supervision and ... Thorough operational knowledge and skills of specific equipment to be operated. * Ability to ...

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... operating by following operating instructions and upkeep; monitoring their calibration status ...

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Laser Programmer Operator information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$13

$19

$27

How much do laser programmer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser programmer operator in Rochester, NY is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laser programmer operator?

A Laser Programmer Operator is a skilled technician who programs and operates laser cutting machines to cut, engrave, or mark materials such as metal, plastic, or wood. They use specialized software to create or modify designs, set up the machine parameters, and monitor the cutting process to ensure accuracy and quality. Laser Programmer Operators are responsible for maintaining equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safety standards are met in the workplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser programmer operator?

To thrive as a Laser Programmer Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading skills, and experience with CNC machinery, typically supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, laser cutting systems, and quality measurement tools is essential for programming and operating equipment efficiently. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication help ensure precision and safe workplace collaboration. These skills are crucial for maintaining production quality, minimizing errors, and optimizing manufacturing workflows.

What are some typical challenges faced by laser programmer operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Laser Programmer Operators often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex technical drawings, ensuring precise machine calibration, and troubleshooting equipment errors. Successfully managing these tasks requires strong attention to detail, familiarity with CAD/CAM software, and a proactive approach to machine maintenance. Collaborating closely with engineers and production teams can help clarify design requirements and streamline production, while ongoing training keeps operators updated on new technologies and best practices.

What is the difference between Laser Programmer Operator vs CNC Machinist?

AspectLaser Programmer OperatorCNC Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in laser technologyRequires technical training, certifications, or machining experience
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or fabrication shops with laser cutting equipmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, or fabrication facilities
Industry UsageCommonly used in sheet metal, aerospace, signage, and automotive industriesUsed across various manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, and industrial parts
Job FocusProgramming laser cutting machines for precise cuts and designsSetting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machines for machining parts

While both roles involve working with computer-controlled equipment, Laser Programmer Operators focus on programming laser cutting machines for precise fabrication, whereas CNC Machinists operate a broader range of CNC machines for manufacturing parts. Both require technical skills and familiarity with manufacturing environments, but their specific tasks and equipment differ.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Programmer Operator jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Laser Programmer Operator jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Programmer Operator jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Programmer Operator jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Laser Programmer Operator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Laser Programmer Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Laser Programmer Operator job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,842 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Laser Sales Manager - Photonics & Quantum Technologies

Iris Scientific Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position: Laser Sales Manager - Photonics & Quantum Technologies
Location: Rochester, NY (on-site preferred; must be within regular reach of the Rochester office)
Base Salary: $100,000-$150,000 plus uncapped commission
Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical premiums with funded HRA, dental, vision, 401(k) with 6% match
Start Date: ASAP (generally within 1-2 months)
Contact: Andrew Millar; andrew.millar@irisscientific.com; 647-205-7151
Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency laser-focused on sales, marketing, and applications roles across the North American scientific instrumentation industry. We are working with a world-leading manufacturer of advanced laser systems to add an experienced Laser Sales Manager to their growing North American commercial team, based in Rochester, NY.
This is a technical sales role with real scientific substance - and real earning potential. The company's laser systems sit at the heart of the world's leading quantum computing, optical clock, and precision measurement programs, and demand is accelerating as quantum efforts scale from academic labs into commercial and government programs. The customer base runs from principal investigators at top research institutions and national labs to engineering and procurement teams at quantum and semiconductor companies. The selling is genuinely consultative: linewidth, stability, and power matched against demanding applications, in multi-stakeholder cycles that reward scientific credibility over scripted pitches.
We are looking for a proven technical salesperson with a physical sciences foundation. You've spent at least a couple of years carrying a territory or account base in photonics, lasers, optics, or scientific instrumentation - you know what a pipeline review feels like and you own your number without flinching - and you have the science background to hold a credible conversation with a physicist customer. An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) is preferred but not essential; a strong sales track record with a solid physical sciences foundation matters more. Direct quantum experience is a genuine plus, not a gate: if your customers have been research labs and technical buyers in an adjacent space, the company will invest in training you on the application space, including at their European headquarters.
The commercial platform is a strong one: a market-leading product line in one of photonics' fastest-growing verticals, a multi-million dollar territory potential, existing demand rather than a cold start, and an uncapped commission plan - the company's best performers earn more in commission than in base salary. Travel is a realistic 25-30%, varying month to month.
This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone who: wants their science background to be a commercial weapon rather than a footnote, is energized by owning a territory and a number, and wants a front-row seat as quantum technology moves from the optical table to the real world.
If this sounds like you - please get in touch.
About the Role:
As Laser Sales Manager, you will be a driving force behind the company's growth in the North American market. Operating in a tech-push environment, you'll own the full sales lifecycle across a diverse territory - identifying and developing opportunities across quantum computing, quantum sensing, and precision measurement, cultivating relationships from academic labs to commercial and government programs, and owning annual booking and revenue targets. You'll also act as the voice of the North American market, feeding customer insight and competitive intelligence back into product development, with ongoing technical training including visits to the company's European headquarters.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Own the full sales lifecycle for a North American territory, including complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles across academic, government, and commercial customers.
  • Build and manage a disciplined pipeline against annual booking and revenue targets, with proactive prospecting into new accounts and programs.
  • Act as the primary liaison between customer requirements and the company's engineering capabilities, identifying new opportunities and applications across the quantum and precision-measurement ecosystem.
  • Travel to customer sites to demonstrate product capabilities, proving that system specifications - linewidth, stability, power - meet the demands of specific applications.
  • Work with leadership to shape North American sales strategy, using market data to identify emerging opportunities as quantum programs scale from research to deployment.
  • Gather insight on emerging scientific trends and competitor activity to help shape the future product roadmap.
  • Commit to continuous technical learning, including training visits to the European headquarters.

Key Requirements:
  • 2+ years of demonstrated sales experience in photonics, lasers, optics, or scientific instrumentation - you have carried a territory, account base, or quota and can speak to your results.
  • Degree in physics, photonics, optics, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related physical sciences field; an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) is preferred but not required.
  • Experience selling to research-driven customers - universities, national labs, government programs, or technical/scientific buyers - strongly preferred.
  • Exposure to quantum, AMO physics, or precision-measurement customers is a genuine advantage, but not required; strong candidates from adjacent photonics and instrumentation markets are encouraged to apply.
  • Demonstrated ability to bridge scientific consulting and commercial value selling, with exceptional presentation skills.
  • Highly organized, with strong CRM discipline and data literacy.
  • Based within regular reach of Rochester, NY, or willing to relocate (relocation support available); fully remote arrangements are not available.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 25-30% to customer sites across North America and periodically to Europe.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.