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Laser Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fuse

Laser Engineer - San Leandro

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Bachelor's/ Master's/ PHD degree in optics, optoelectronics, laser physics, electrical engineering, photonics or a related field * 2+ years' experience in High Energy Laser design, analysis, and ...

Vector Atomic

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA · 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 ...

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 array, working in a small, cross-functional team where individual contributions are highly visible and ...

Vector Atomic

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA

$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 ...

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Sustaining Laser Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. Your primary responsibilities will be to ...

Diamond Foundry

Sustaining Laser Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Diamond Foundry is seeking a Sustaining Laser Engineer to oversee the deployment and optimization of high-power laser machines across our various facilities. Your primary responsibilities will be to ...

SpaceX

Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $145K/yr

SPACE LASERS ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Laser Programmer jobs in California? For Laser Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 Programmer jobs near you
Laser Engineer - San Leandro

Laser Engineer - San Leandro

Fuse

San Leandro, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Fuse is on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to fusion energy. Our core product is TITAN: an Impedance Matched Marx Generator (IMG). TITAN is the most efficient and powerful (TW) machine of its kind. Fusers have built and licensed Magical Unicorn and FAETON I, 2 novel pulsed power generators.


You are joining an early-stage fusion company. Please expect to wear different hats and take 0 to 1 ownership of objectives. This is not a regular job. Fusers are on a mission to change the world.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s/ Master's/ PHD degree in optics, optoelectronics, laser physics, electrical engineering, photonics or a related field

  • 2+ years’ experience in High Energy Laser design, analysis, and testing

  • 2+ years’ experience with laser amplification techniques

  • 2+ years’ experience with laser modeling and simulation software and other design and simulation 

  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills

  • Willingness to travel to Montreal occasionally

Key Responsibilities

  • Designing and developing laser systems that generate short-duration, high-energy pulses of light.

  • Developing and testing laser components, including the laser cavity, mirrors, and amplifiers, to ensure that they can withstand high-energy pulses

  • Collaborating with optical, electrical, and mechanical engineers, to integrate laser systems with other components of a larger system

  • Conducting research and development activities to explore new technologies and techniques for improving high-energy laser systems

  • Planning and overseeing the manufacturing, installation, and operation of laser systems

  • Developing and implementing quality control procedures to ensure that products meet industry standards and MagLIF requirements

  • Performing cost analysis and creating project timelines to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget

  • Writing technical reports and giving presentations to communicate design concepts, testing results, and project progress to stakeholders (external and/or internal)

Additional requirements

  • Must be able to travel and work extended hours/weekends as needed.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:


To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  


Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.


Applicants wishing to view a copy of Fuse's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at info@f.energy.