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Laser Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TAE

Scientist - Applied Laser Physics

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Collaborate with other Scientists on the design, operation, and data interpretation of laser-based diagnostics. * Work with a team of physicists and engineers focused on precision optics and laser ...

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA · On-site

This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world's most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved ...

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.8K/wk

This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world's most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved ...

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA

This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world's most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

Interface with immediate supervisors, project leads, scientists, engineers, and technicians in the ... Conduct laser performance analysis at a system level and present data to a peer review team with ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

Interface with immediate supervisors, project leads, scientists, engineers, and technicians in the ... Conduct laser performance analysis at a system level and present data to a peer review team with ...

Lumibird USA

Laser Technician

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$22.50 - $25/hr

LASER TECHNICIAN Drawing on 50 years of experience, Lumibird designs, manufactures, and distributes laser solutions for scientific, industrial, and medical use from its various sites in the USA and ...

LLNL

Laser Engineer

Livermore, CA

Interface with immediate supervisors, project leads, scientists, engineers, and technicians in the ... Conduct laser performance analysis at a system level and present data to a peer review team with ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with 5+ years of directly-related industry experience * Design experience with lasers and complex optical systems, preferred is strong experience with fiber ...

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Laser Scientist information

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$36.5K

$79.4K

$137.5K

How much do laser scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser scientist in the United States is $79,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a laser scientist do?

A Laser Scientist researches, develops, and applies laser technology for various fields, including medicine, manufacturing, defense, and telecommunications. They design and optimize laser systems, study light-matter interactions, and work on improving laser performance. Their role may also involve experimental testing, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers and physicists to develop new laser-based applications.

What does a typical day look like for a laser scientist?

A typical day for a Laser Scientist often involves designing experiments, setting up and calibrating laser equipment, and analyzing results to refine system performance. Collaboration with other scientists, engineers, and occasionally external partners is common, especially when developing prototypes or troubleshooting complex optical issues. Additionally, you may spend time documenting findings, writing technical reports, and staying updated on the latest research and safety protocols. The pace can be dynamic, with a mix of hands-on laboratory work, meetings, and data analysis, providing a stimulating and varied professional environment.

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

To thrive as a Laser Scientist, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and engineering, typically supported by a PhD or master's degree in a related scientific field. Experience with laser systems, optical instrumentation, and analytical software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is highly valued, and certifications in laser safety can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and precise communication skills help you effectively conduct experiments and work with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for innovating safely and efficiently in the rapidly evolving field of laser technology.

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Laser Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,408 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Scientist - Applied Laser Physics

TAE

Foothill Ranch, CA • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

TAE Technologies is a leader in commercial fusion energy, founded in 1998 with a mission to deliver clean, sustainable energy to the world. Using our proprietary Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) technology, we are advancing toward the commercialization of aneutronic hydrogen-boron fusion. As we transition from the Norm to the Da Vinci commercial prototype, we seek dedicated professionals to support our critical experimental operations
The Scientist of Applied Laser Physics is responsible for managing laser-based diagnostic systems and the interpretation of resulting data to extract key plasma parameters such as density, temperature, and magnetic field. This includes Thomson scattering, Faraday rotation, interferometry, polarimetry, and other coherent or incoherent laser techniques. Ensures the precision and reliability of laser diagnostics while contributing to the group's contributions to experimental campaigns and advancing system capabilities.
About the Job
  • Collaborate with other Scientists on the design, operation, and data interpretation of laser-based diagnostics.
  • Work with a team of physicists and engineers focused on precision optics and laser-plasma interaction.
  • Design and develop an implementation of advanced measurement techniques and upgrades to existing systems.
  • Drive interpretation efforts linking optical signals to fundamental plasma quantities.
  • Maintain laser safety protocols and operational reliability across campaigns.
  • Participate in experimental planning and contribute insights to broader physics interpretation efforts.
  • Ensure data integrity, calibration procedures, and documentation are maintained to high standards.
  • Collaborate with the experiment development and execution, data analysis, and results communication.
  • Mentor junior staff and drive a culture of precision, rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Conduct individual research and participate in or lead projects on a matrix basis as needed.
  • Participate in outward facing activities like representing TAE and recruiting new talent.
  • Demonstrate and promote the TAE Core Values, Rules of the Road, and our Culture of Safety.

About You
  • Established years of experience with optical diagnostics or laser systems in a plasma, accelerator, or similar environment.
  • Deep understanding of interferometry, Thomson scattering, or related laser techniques.
  • Strong mentoring skills in a technical setting.
  • Ability to translate complex optical signals into actionable physics insights.

Education
  • Required: PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Optical Engineering
  • Preferred: Specialization in laser diagnostics or plasma optics

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job-related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered (non-Sr., Sr.). The compensation range for these roles are $125,000 - $140,000.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
About Us
Imagination, skill, and will
We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.
What you'll get with us
  • Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
  • Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
  • A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization
  • Potential for equity participation
  • HQ in Southern California
  • Employee events on and off-site
  • A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

Learn more
tae.com
Our podcast Good Clean Energy
Instagram
LinkedIn
TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us recruiting@tae.com to request accommodations or request more information.
Note to Agencies: TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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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