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Laser Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Laser Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors ...

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA

Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of ...

Fibertek, Inc

Fiber Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

Job Title Fiber Laser Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced fiber laser systems typically with performance ...

NSS

Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder

Herndon, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in a research ...

NSS

Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder

Herndon, VA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in a research ...

NSS

Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

Herndon, VA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / Technician to support the hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory environment.

Fibertek

Fiber Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced fiber laser systems typically with performance requirements beyond the state-of-the-art. The workload will at times include ...

Lawrence Brothers Inc

Laser Operator

Bluefield, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This position is responsible for operating and programming laser cutting equipment, ensuring production quality, and maintaining efficient workflow. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined ...

Lawrence Brothers Inc

Laser Operator

Bluefield, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This position is responsible for operating and programming laser cutting equipment, ensuring production quality, and maintaining efficient workflow. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined ...

Workforce

CNC Laser Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and job specifications to ensure accurate production. * Monitor the CNC laser cutting process and make adjustments to machine settings to maintain ...

Workforce

CNC Laser Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and job specifications to ensure accurate production. * Monitor the CNC laser cutting process and make adjustments to machine settings to maintain ...

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All JobsLaser Programmer JobsLaser Programmer Jobs in Virginia

Laser Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$39

$68

How much do laser programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser programmer in Virginia is $39.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $51.01 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Laser Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,529 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Laser Engineer II

NSS

Herndon, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated Laser Engineer to join our division at Herndon, VA to support the development, integration, and test of advanced laser systems. You will work with a team of mechanical and electrical engineers to build a unique packaged system that can withstand wide temperature operation or high vibrational loads. The workload will at times include multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short duration research programs and longer duration technology maturation programs.

Your Job

The successful candidate must have direct hands-on experience with diode pumped solid state lasers operating in the UV/VIS/IR wavelengths, willing to ask questions and has a passion to see what they build get used for a novel application like space communications. An understanding of the industry trends and best practices is a major plus. You will join a small- company environment, that has a dedicated team of technology and business leaders with 35 years of success behind them. Your role will include:

Contribute to the engineering development of unique laser designs through design analysis, component specification, and hardware assembly, integration, and test.

Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser resonators, amplifiers, non-linear frequency conversion modules and receiver components.

Participate in customer interactions including formal technical reviews. Required Skills and Experience

BS Physics, MS or PhD preferred with a minimum of 3 years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems.

Knowledge of the laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub- systems.

Ability to design and execute experiments validating laser system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.

Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary communication.

Desired Skills and Experience

MS or PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering

Experience with modeling and simulation of laser systems industry standard tools, i.e. MATLAB, MathCAD, Zemax or

equivalent software tools

Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex laser challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity.

Why Fibertek, Inc?

FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment with minimal bureaucracy. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.

Fibertek, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.

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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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