1

Laser Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

This role is responsible for operating CNC laser cutting equipment and supporting various ... Experience with AutoCAD and TruTops programming highly preferred * Solid background in sheet metal ...

Laser Operator - St. Paul, VA

Saint Paul, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Conducts first piece article inspections and documentation of part dimensions per engineering ... repairing laser machinery. * Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions

Laser Operator

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

As a Laser Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining a laser cutting machine ... Give feedback on programming or setup changes. * Proper deburring of parts * Modify tools as needed.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

Laser Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$39

$68

How much do laser programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 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.
Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist with Security Clearance

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist with Security Clearance

Booz Allen Hamilton

King George, VA

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Number: R0240584 Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the testing of electro-optic ( EO ) sensors, lasers, and High Energy Laser ( HEL ) weapon systems. We're looking for a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter. Our team supports the design, development, and testing of directed energy weapon s to enhance warfighter capabilities. You will directly impact U.S. Navy and Department of War efforts by providing laser, optical, and testing expertise to solve challenging problems and advance the mission. This is a chance to use your experience -based knowledge in optics, lasers, and testing while broadening your skillset into areas like other directed energy weapon s systems. Join us. The world can't wait. You Have: * 10+ years of experience performing laser weapon testing in laboratory or field environments, including measuring system characteristics such as laser power and beam profiles for both fixed and mobile applications, and designing and implementing local and remote beam diagnostics such as remote target tracking, use of geolocation, and achieving extended ranges with robust RF data links
* 10+ years of experience developing, designing, or testing tracking systems for any laser weapon systems designed to designate, track, and e nga ge with high energy laser, including with image or signal processing, design of track algorithms such as centroid, leading edge, hot-spot, and contrast tracking, track handoff, sensor fusion and sensor requirements for passive and active tracking design and development, gated imagery, pulsed and continuous wave illumi nato rs, boresight alignment and requirements for tracking, and control architectures
* 5+ years of experience with U.S. armed services' laser or EO systems research and development programs, including the U.S. Navy
* 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power met ers, photodiodes, detectors, interfero met ers, wavefront sensors, spectro met ers, or beam profilers
* 3+ years of experience with laser testing, including test planning, safety and operational procedures, test set up, test conduct, test breakdown, and test documentation
* Ability to tailor and improve diagnostics to specific requirements such as increasing automation, increasing reliability of data collection, and developing custom controls of instrumentation and data acquisition
* Ability to obtain a Secret clearance * Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science field such as Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering Nice If You Have: * 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy laser and EO systems
* 5+ years of experience with HEL systems, ISR EO systems, test and evaluation ( T & E ) , and instrument installation
* Experience working with design and analysis sof tware such as FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance ( ISR ) systems
* Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification
* Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiments, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance in relevant military environments and ranges
* Knowledge of practical problems asso cia ted with the design, building, integration, and testing of laser weapon systems
* Master's degree in an Engineering or Science field preferred ; Doctorate degree in an Engineering or Science field a plus Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information . Compensation At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page. Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date. Identity Statement As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. Candidate AI Usage Policy AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided. Work Model Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings. * Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
* Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
* Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

What Booz Allen Hamilton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Booz Allen Hamilton logo

About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914