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Laser Programmer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Work with science, systems engineering, and laser teams to derive, allocate, and manage optical ... system requirements. * Provide technical oversight for optical design, tolerancing, alignment ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Work with science, systems engineering, and laser teams to derive, allocate, and manage optical ... system requirements. * Provide technical oversight for optical design, tolerancing, alignment ...

Attalon, Inc.

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$120K - $202K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

Quantinuum

Lead Optics Engineer - 937

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$164K - $205K/yr

Provide technical expertise for laser and optical projects with the goal of maximizing performance, scalability, and robustness. * Support prototype development, sustaining engineering activities ...

Attalon, Inc.

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

Attalon, Inc.

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

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Laser Programmer information

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$12

$41

$72

How much do laser programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser programmer in Colorado is $41.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $54.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 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.

How much do laser programmers make?

Laser programmers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled programmers with certifications and proficiency in CAD/CAM software may earn higher salaries, especially in manufacturing or aerospace sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Programmer jobs in Colorado?

For Laser Programmer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Programmer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Programmer jobs in Colorado are:

Laser Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Programmer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,471 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Laser Plasma Interaction Computational Physicist

Denver, CO • On-site

Xcimer Energy
See more jobs at Xcimer Energyexternal

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
 
As a Laser Plasma Interaction (LPI) Computational Physicist, you will develop and extend Xcimer's laser plasma interaction (LPI) modeling capabilities through both community simulation tools and next-generation in-house code development. You will support the development of computational frameworks that model collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, and coupled LPI phenomena critical to Xcimer's fusion systems. We are looking for physicists to apply their expertise in plasma physics, scientific computing, and high-performance simulation to positively impact the future of energy!  
Responsibilities
  • Deploy, configure, and extend existing simulation tools such as WarpX and LPSE to model laser plasma interaction phenomena relevant to Xcimer's laser architecture.
  • Develop workflows, simulation setups, post-processing pipelines, and benchmarking methodologies for efficient and repeatable simulation execution.
  • Lead the design and development of in-house LPI simulation software focused on collisional kinetics and paraxial laser propagation models.
  • Architect simulation software using modular, extensible, and maintainable scientific software frameworks with strong emphasis on composability and long-term scalability.
  • Implement and validate core physics models including collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), filamentation, and cross-beam energy transfer (CBET).
  • Perform verification, convergence studies, and benchmarking against existing tools, published results, and experimental data to ensure numerical robustness and model credibility.
  • Optimize simulation software for high-performance computing environments, including parallelization and scalability across modern compute architectures.
  • Maintain rigorous software engineering practices including version control, automated testing infrastructure, documentation, and reproducibility standards.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with laser architecture, gas optics, radiation hydrodynamics, experimental physics, and other engineering teams to prioritize simulation efforts and integrate modeling outputs into broader system development activities.
  • Contribute to Xcimer's long-term computational modeling strategy by identifying opportunities to integrate new physics capabilities and couple simulation domains through shared modular architectures.
Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in Computational Physics, Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical field.
  • Strong software development skills in scientific computing using modern C++ and Python.
  • Experience developing physics simulation codes with emphasis on modular software architecture, maintainability, and software quality.
  • Strong understanding of laser plasma interaction physics, collisional plasma kinetics, and laser propagation models.
  • Familiarity with numerical methods for partial differential equations, kinetic plasma simulations, and/or paraxial wave equations.
  • Experience using, extending, or validating community simulation tools such as particle-in-cell (PIC) or fluid plasma codes.
  • Experience working independently and leading technically complex software development efforts.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Desired
  • Experience with WarpX, LPSE, pF3D, or similar laser plasma interaction simulation tools.
  • Experience with high-performance computing, including MPI/OpenMP parallelization and/or GPU acceleration.
  • Familiarity with modern scientific software architectures including plugin systems, composable frameworks, or modular physics engines.
  • Experience within inertial confinement fusion (ICF), high-energy-density physics, or advanced plasma modeling environments.
  • Demonstrated experience building extensible scientific software platforms that support long-term collaboration and multi-user development.
$170,000 - $210,000 a year
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here and here.
 
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.
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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