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Laser Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Laser Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000annually * Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000annually * Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 annually Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash Bonus ...

NSS

Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA

Laser Engineer 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 ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually * Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 annually Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash Bonus of 5-6% of earned wages, depending on level

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually * Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 annually Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash Bonus of 5-6% of earned wages, depending on level

IntoMetal

Laser Operator

Beatrice, NE · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

The Laser Operator works very closely with the Laser Programmer to plan the upcoming jobs for the laser and manage material scrap. The Laser Operator gives feedback to the Programmer on any ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

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 ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

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 ...

Fecon

Laser Operator - 2ND SHIFT

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Works closely with the Laser Programmer in order to fulfill the orders of cutting parts. Maintains the laser equipment to ensure timely and consistent production of quality cut parts. Job Duties ...

NSS

Laser Engineer II

Herndon, VA

Laser Engineer 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 ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

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 ...

NSS

Laser Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

Laser Engineer 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 ...

FECON

Laser Operator - 2ND SHIFT

Lebanon, OH

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Works closely with the Laser Programmer in order to fulfill the orders of cutting parts. Maintains the laser equipment to ensure timely and consistent production of quality cut parts. Job Duties ...

TekWissen

Chemical/Laser Etch Programmer

Warsaw, IN · On-site

Responsible for all Chemical/Laser Etch Programming and Conceptual Fixture Design. Responsible for supporting the equipment/shop floor including NCR disposition work order maintenance related to ...

IntoMetal

Laser Operator - Weekend Night Shift

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

The Laser Operator works very closely with the Laser Programmer to plan the upcoming jobs for the laser and manage material scrap. The Laser Operator gives feedback to the Programmer on any ...

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Laser Programmer information

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How much do laser programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Laser Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Laser Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Laser Programmer job openings:
What states have the most Laser Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Laser Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Laser Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Programmer jobs are:
Laser Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Laser Engineer

Laser Engineer

nLIGHT

Camas, WA • On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary
Develop next-generation laser products in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company. Take products from concept phase through product release and into manufacturing as a core member of an interdisciplinary team.
Functions
  • Contribute to cross-functional development teams to deliver innovative laser products.
  • Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace laser products.
  • Provide technical leadership within a structured product-development process, including planning and tracking, leading experimental and modeling activities, conducting data and design reviews, leading problem-solving teams and failure analyses, and documenting and reporting results.
  • Develop and refine fiber processing tools and techniques to enable manufacturing of lasers and critical components.
  • Develop optical diagnostic methods and tools for characterizing lasers and components.
  • Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, and translate market needs into product development projects.
  • Direct activities of technicians.
Desired Qualifications
  • BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
  • Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components. Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto-mechanics is advantageous.
  • Experience with measurement tools and techniques for characterizing the spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics of high-power lasers.
  • Solid analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with statistical analysis tools, simulation software, statistical process control, and design of experiments.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally as both a team leader and a contributor.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Laser Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000annually
  • Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000annually
  • Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5-6% of earned wages, depending on level
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

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