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Laser Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solestial, Inc.

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Develop and improve laser equipment automation scripts used for both R&D and manufacturing * Work in CAD to support tooling and integration design efforts * Assist with installation, debugging, and ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Job Summary Laser scientist leads end-to-end R&D of advanced laser prototypes, from first principles and modeling through breadboard builds, characterization, iteration, and transfer to product. This ...

Airbus Ventures

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Develop and improve laser equipment automation scripts used for both R&D and manufacturing * Work in CAD to support tooling and integration design efforts * Assist with installation, debugging, and ...

New

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Job Summary Laser scientist leads end-to-end R&D of advanced laser prototypes, from first principles and modeling through breadboard builds, characterization, iteration, and transfer to product. This ...

Solestial, Inc.

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Develop and improve laser equipment automation scripts used for both R&D and manufacturing * Work in CAD to support tooling and integration design efforts * Assist with installation, debugging, and ...

Fuse

Laser Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Hands-on experience designing, building, or maintaining laser systems in a research or industrial environment. * Strong understanding of optics, laser physics, and precision alignment techniques.

Diamond Foundry

Director, Laser Technology

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$195K - $270K/yr

In this role, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of our high-power laser technology -from initial optical physics R&D and beam delivery modeling to scaling laser-material processing loops on the ...

JeffreyM Consulting

Laser Safety Specialist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$80 - $85/hr

Review research experiments, equipment purchases, and laser- or optical-hazard SOPs. * Perform laser exposure calculations and conduct power, spectral, temporal, and X-ray leakage measurements.

New

Lyte

Laser Tech lead Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Own III-V R&D characterization of lasers, amplifiers, and heterogeneously integrated III-V and Silicon Photonic subsystems. This includes characterization such as phase noise, linewidth, and RIN.

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Laser Research information

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How much do laser research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser research in the United States is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is laser research?

Laser research is the scientific study and development of lasers and their applications. Researchers in this field investigate the properties of lasers, how they interact with materials, and develop new laser technologies for use in areas such as medicine, communications, manufacturing, and defense. The work often involves physics, engineering, and material science to improve laser efficiency, power, and versatility. Laser researchers may work in academic institutions, private companies, or government laboratories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laser Researcher, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, laser systems, optical simulation software (like Zemax or COMSOL), and safety certifications are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and presenting research findings. These skills and qualifications are vital for advancing laser technologies, ensuring safety, and successfully translating research into practical applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in laser research, and how can these be addressed?

Professionals in laser research often encounter challenges such as rapidly advancing technologies, maintaining precision in experimental setups, and ensuring safety standards are rigorously followed. Staying up-to-date with the latest scientific literature and attending conferences can help address the fast pace of innovation. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams, such as physicists, engineers, and safety officers, is essential for troubleshooting experimental issues and fostering a productive research environment. Additionally, organizations typically provide specialized safety training and access to advanced equipment to support researchers in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Laser Research vs Laser Technician?

AspectLaser ResearchLaser Technician
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), specialized research certificationsTechnical certifications, associate or bachelor's degree in related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic institutionsManufacturing plants, hospitals, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, R&D departmentsHospitals, manufacturing companies, service providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, academic careersTechnical job functions, hands-on laser operation

Laser Research involves conducting advanced experiments and developing new laser technologies typically within academic or research institutions, requiring higher education and specialized certifications. Laser Technicians focus on operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laser equipment in industrial or medical settings, often with technical certifications. While both roles work with lasers, Laser Research emphasizes innovation and development, whereas Laser Technicians focus on practical application and equipment management.

More about Laser Research jobs

What states have the most Laser Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Laser Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Laser Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Research jobs are:

Laser Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,394 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Director, Laser Technology

Diamond Foundry

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$195 - $270/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, seasoned leader of Laser Technology to lead our laser process development and advanced optics team. In this role, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of our high-power laser technology —from initial optical physics R&D and beam delivery modeling to scaling laser-material processing loops on the manufacturing floor. You will manage a team of laser engineers, optical physicists, and process specialists driving breakthrough yields in precision material processing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the technical roadmap for high-power laser systems, beam shaping optics, and ultrafast laser slicing for diamond wafers.

  • Lead and scale a high-performing team of photonics engineers, optical physicists, and laser process specialists.

  • Drive the scaling and transfer of laser-material processing recipes (dicing, singulation, surface ablation) from R&D to the factory floor.

  • Partner with Equipment Engineering to design, procure, and integrate high-precision optical delivery hardware and galvo systems.

  • Maximize diamond wafer yield by resolving complex laser-material interaction excursions, thermal lens effects, and beam drift

  • Collaborate with Metrology and Automation teams to implement real-time optical sensor grids and closed-loop process controls.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science.

  • 8+ years in laser systems engineering, with 5+ years managing technical optical/process engineering teams.

  • Deep technical expertise in high-power industrial lasers (fiber, DPSS, ultrafast/femtosecond), beam delivery optics, and galvo scanners.

  • Proven track record in precision laser-material processing loops (e.g., semiconductor wafer slicing, ceramic/hard-material dicing, or optical annealing).

  • Proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax, Code V) and multiphysics modeling platforms (COMSOL, MATLAB, Python).

  • Strong background in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

$195,000 - $270,000 a year

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