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Laser Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Staff Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied ...

TekWissen

Chemical/Laser Etch Programmer

Warsaw, IN

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

$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 ...

SAIC

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is actively seeking a Laser Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team of physicists, biologists, optometrists, engineers, and technicians dedicated to conducting ...

Cirtec Medical Corp.

Laser Engineer II

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

The Laser Engineer is primarily responsible for designing, developing, and qualifying laser manufacturing processes, employing multiple engineering disciplines, for the manufacture of Class II and ...

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Laser Programmer information

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How much do laser programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 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.
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Laser Programmer jobs near you
Staff Laser Engineer 1

Staff Laser Engineer 1

ARA

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) is seeking a Staff Laser Engineer 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives, including testing across various research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space.
The Staff Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.
These projects will require close coordination with subject matter experts and customers to develop novel research methods and optimize existing measurement capabilities. Candidates must be eager to learn and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders. Candidates applying for this position must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a security clearance.
This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate's resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
  • Conduct laser/optical research experiments.
  • Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.
  • Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities across a variety of experimental setups.
  • Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.
  • Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
  • Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
  • Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.
  • Acquire and develop in-depth understanding of laser/optical testing and evaluation methods across a variety of research projects.
  • Develop and validate approaches and prototypes to solve program-specific technical problems.
  • Apply analytical techniques and utilize benchtop testing equipment to develop, troubleshoot, optimize, and document novel test methods and prototypes.
  • Collaborate with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring clear and timely communication.
  • In partnership with project managers and technical leaders, develop, plan, and execute research that aligns with client objectives/goals and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
  • Conduct research and development in optical sensors, signal processing, spectroscopy, and/or general optics.
  • Contribute to technical writing, including reports, standard operating procedures, and proposals.
  • Serve as a technical resource for other engineers and scientists within the company.

Key Skills and Competencies
  • Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
  • Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
  • Proficiency in optical diagnostics, optical alignment and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
  • Demonstrated ability to work well within a team and independently.
  • Proficiency using software tools for data collection/analysis such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or Python.
  • Experience in development of optical systems, signal processing, instrumentation, lasers and/or general optics. Demonstrated ability to read and translate laboratory results.
  • Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
  • Demonstrated experience executing complex experimental research efforts.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  • On-site work in San Antonio, TX facilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS in a relevant technical discipline.
  • Experience with DoD laboratories.
  • Background in mission-relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser-matter interactions.
  • Existing DoD clearance.
  • Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • Evidence of strong written and verbal communication through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or conference presentations.
  • Experience designing and conducting tests with laser, optical and electromagnetic systems, material / device characterization, and custom or commercial lab instruments for scientific research.
  • Data analysis using signal processing / data reduction.
  • Experience performing and interest in executing contract/grant-based research and development relevant to National Defense applications.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and conducting laboratory tests to answer hypothesis driven research goals.

COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and critical problems. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA currently has over 2,200 employee-owners in offices throughout the United States and Canada providing a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. In addition, we provide sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employee-owners are at the heart of every success. We embrace employee ownership which spawns greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. All eligible employees have the opportunity to earn annual contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and all of our employee-owners can directly impact our shared success.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Staff Laser Engineer position.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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