1

Laser Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$9.7K/wk

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical ...

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical ...

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical ...

Principal Laser Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$139K - $231K/yr

Spectra-Physics is the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments. We have an excellent opportunity for someone like you to join our innovative product development engineering team as a Principal Laser ...

Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Principal Laser Controls Engineer Location: San Jose (on-site) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using ...

Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

Principal Laser Controls Engineer Location: San Jose (on-site) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using ...

Laser and Photonics Engineer

San Carlos, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Laser and Photonics Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp. Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect ...

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $214K/yr

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... As a PIC Laser Scientist, you will bridge the gap between fundamental optical physics and scalable ...

As a Laser Characterization Intern, you will focus on the fundamental performance, physics, and ... Currently enrolled in a PhD or advanced degree program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Laser Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do laser programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Laser Programmer vs CNC Operator?

AspectLaser ProgrammerCNC Operator
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in laser technologyRequires CNC machining training or certification
Work EnvironmentWorks in manufacturing or fabrication shops with laser cutting equipmentOperates CNC machines in manufacturing settings
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, automotive, signage, and metal fabricationWidely used across manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries
Job FocusProgramming laser cutting paths and settingsSetting up, operating, and monitoring CNC machines

While both roles involve machining and manufacturing, Laser Programmers focus on creating precise laser cutting programs, whereas CNC Operators handle the operation of CNC machinery. Both roles require technical skills and are essential in modern manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Laser Programmers when coordinating with production teams?

Laser Programmers often need to balance precision programming with rapidly changing production schedules and material availability. A common challenge is ensuring that their CNC code is optimized for efficiency while accommodating last-minute design changes or urgent orders from the production team. Effective communication and a collaborative approach are key, as Laser Programmers frequently work closely with engineers, machine operators, and quality control to minimize downtime and ensure high-quality output.

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

To thrive as a Laser Programmer, you need a solid background in CNC programming, blueprint reading, and metal fabrication, often supported by technical training or certification in manufacturing technology. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, laser cutting machines, and machine-specific programming languages is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure precise and efficient production processes, minimizing errors and optimizing output in a manufacturing environment.

What is a Laser Programmer?

A Laser Programmer is a skilled professional who creates, modifies, and manages programs that control laser cutting machines, typically in manufacturing or fabrication environments. They use specialized software to convert technical drawings or CAD files into machine instructions, optimizing cutting paths for efficiency and quality. Laser Programmers are also responsible for troubleshooting programming errors and ensuring that the laser equipment operates safely and effectively.
What job categories do people searching Laser Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Laser Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Laser Programmer job openings:
Laser Sorting Specialist

Laser Sorting Specialist

Grower Direct Nut Company, Inc

Hughson, CA โ€ข On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

Under the guidance of the Operations Supervisor, the Laser Programmer is responsible for supporting training for all morning and afternoon employees with best practices concerning the lasers department. This position will overlap in collaboration with scheduling duties and work with operations to ensure proper documentation and best practices are kept, increasing the efficiency of the lasers department.

Requirements:

ยจ Accomplishes results by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; coaching and training new employees by enforcing best practices with laser equipment and procedures.

ยจ Collaborate with laser leads and operators to conduct correct daily set up of machinery and equipment prior to production for efficient and effective operation

ยจ Ability to provide adequate training for the laser programming parameters to the forklift/laser operators on a regular basis

ยจ Ensures operation of equipment by working directly with the equipment specialists, maintenance and serving as the contact for laser manufacturers

ยจ Conduct operator evaluations based on efficiency of the programming and cleanliness/quality of the product and provide immediate feedback

ยจ Maintains and enforces a safe, clean workspace around the laser sorting machines daily by ensuring cleaning schedule is completed

ยจ Reports to Operations Supervisor and Maintenance team any concerns or repairs that that need to be made expediently and contact laser manufacturers for immediate support by phone if issue outside of scope.

ยจ Detects and reports defective incoming materials or questionable conditions to the proper department supervisor for reconciliation prior to processing.

ยจ Involve daily communication with Production Planner regarding the necessary in the operations process. Give verbal and written reports daily to Production Planner and any other necessary personnel to submit appropriate documentation and communication.

ยจ Supports Operations Supervisor to program daily work in laser department by station and personnel effectively to minimize change overs; ensures work is scheduled to be completed in a timely manner by establishing priorities; resolves problems; reports results of the processing flow on shift production summaries.

ยจ Monitor production process daily to ensure smooth and efficient flow. Receives and resolve laser operation problems for both shifts.

ยจ Visually inspect products and/or operations to ensure quality of products inbound and outbound.

ยจ Must be able to read, develop and interpret documents such as standard operating procedures, safety rules, and work schedules.

ยจ Develops and mentorsโ€™ staff by orienting, and training employees, developing personal growth opportunities. Acts as a role model for employees.

ยจ Perform other related operations as required or directed. May work at different workstations, as production need is required.

ยจ Follows and ensures adherence to established Grower Direct Nut Co., local, state, and federal regulations and requirements as well as food safety, sanitation, food production and nutritional guidelines.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities not limited to the above mentioned and may include assisting other departments within reasonable and related tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

v Physical demands

o Will frequently stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle and feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, taste and smell.

o Will seldom sit and occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl.

o Must use both hands for rapid mental muscular coordination, simultaneously.

o Must be able to reach high and low levels, frequently.

o Must be able to push/pull/lift with arms below waist/at shoulder/above shoulder level up to 50 pounds frequently.

o Must lift with arms up to floor to waist, waist to shoulder 50 pounds.

o Must be able to constantly stand/stoop/walk/bend, up to 12 hrs.

o Ability to strenuous flex/grip with wrist/hands frequently (15 flexion/minute).

v Work environment

o Will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts.

o Will Work around wet or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, risk of vibration.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must have minimum 5years of laser operator experience.

2. Supervisory Experience Required.

3. Must be able to work overtime and/or weekends as needed.

4. At least 1 year of forklift driving experience, prior certifications preferred.

5. Bilingual English/Spanish required.

6. Walnut or almond processing experience desirable.

7. Ability to work as part of a team.

8. Ability to perform basic math functions.

9. Positive attitude, high energy, flexibility, and personal initiative.