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Laser Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Graduate Student

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Knowledge of basic principles one or more of the following: chemical synthesis, laser spectroscopy, high magnetic fields, energetic materials, and/or radiological materials. * Experience in safe ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA

Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical spectroscopy * Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, including operation in DUV/VUV regimes * Experience ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical spectroscopy * Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, including operation in DUV/VUV regimes * Experience ...

ARA

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Conduct research and development in optical sensors, signal processing, spectroscopy, and/or ... Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.

New

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Senior Laser Engineer 2 will lead the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and ... Proficiency in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy ...

New

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Laser Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$139K - $231K/yr

Spectra-Physics is the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments. We have an excellent opportunity for someone like you to join our innovative product development engineering team as a Principal Laser ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Laser Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$139K - $231K/yr

Spectra-Physics is the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments. We have an excellent opportunity for someone like you to join our innovative product development engineering team as a Principal Laser ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA

Experience with laser spectroscopy in solid-state, atomic, or ion systems * Exposure to micro/nanofabrication or photonic device integration * Familiarity with quantum networking requirements ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Experience with laser spectroscopy in solid-state, atomic, or ion systems * Exposure to micro/nanofabrication or photonic device integration * Familiarity with quantum networking requirements ...

Project Canary

Embedded Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

They will focus on writing firmware for embedded systems in the electronics of Laser Spectroscopy Sensors. This role will require reading datasheets and schematics to develop communication platforms ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Systems Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Exposure to laser characterization equipment: power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers * Experience in a prototype or R&D build environment (university lab, national lab, or early ...

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Laser Spectroscopy information

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How much do laser spectroscopy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser spectroscopy 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 are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in laser spectroscopy, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in laser spectroscopy often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise calibration of equipment, minimizing noise and interference in measurements, and keeping up with rapid technological advancements. Addressing these issues typically involves rigorous routine maintenance, staying updated with the latest research and developments, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and chemists. Developing strong troubleshooting skills and participating in professional workshops can also help overcome these challenges and ensure high-quality, reproducible results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laser Spectroscopy Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laser Spectroscopy Specialist, you need a strong background in physics or chemistry, advanced analytical skills, and typically a graduate degree in a related field. Proficiency with laser systems, spectrometers, data analysis software, and possibly certifications in optical safety are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for experimental design and collaboration. These skills ensure precise measurements, innovative research outcomes, and the ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation in laboratory settings.

What is laser spectroscopy?

Laser spectroscopy is a scientific technique that uses lasers to study the interaction between light and matter. It enables researchers to analyze the composition, structure, and dynamics of atoms and molecules with high precision. This method is widely used in fields such as physics, chemistry, environmental science, and biology for applications like detecting trace gases, studying reaction mechanisms, and developing new materials.

What is the difference between Laser Spectroscopy vs Spectroscopy Technician?

AspectLaser SpectroscopySpectroscopy Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, or related field; specialized training in laser systemsUsually holds an associate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, or related field; training in various spectroscopy techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industrial settings involving laser systemsLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, materials scienceManufacturing, quality assurance, environmental testing

Laser Spectroscopy specialists focus on using laser-based techniques for precise analysis, often requiring advanced training in laser systems. Spectroscopy Technicians perform a broader range of spectroscopy methods in various industries, typically with less specialized training. Both roles are essential in analytical labs but differ in technical complexity and application scope.

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Laser Spectroscopy jobs near you
Laser Characterization, Temp

Laser Characterization, Temp

Lightmatter

Mountain View, CA

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

As a Laser Characterization Intern, you will focus on the fundamental performance, physics, and characterization of the semiconductor laser sources that power our photonic computing architecture. You will be responsible for executing State-of-the-Art (SOA) laser testing to ensure the highest levels of spectral purity and stability.

Responsibilities

  • Perform hands-on characterization of semiconductor lasers, laser sources, and semiconductor optical amplifiers.
  • Measure and analyze laser and SOA performance metrics, including output power, wavelength, optical spectrum, side-mode suppression ratio, relative intensity noise, gain, saturation behavior, and wavelength/power stability.
  • Conduct LIV measurements and evaluate laser behavior across current, voltage, temperature, and operating conditions.
  • Perform wavelength and optical power stability measurements over time and across temperature.
  • Characterize optical spectra using optical spectrum analyzers and related optical test equipment.
  • Support RIN, SMSR, optical power, wavelength tuning, and stability measurements.
  • Operate optical lab equipment such as current drivers, temperature controllers, optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, photodetectors, polarization controllers, optical filters, optical switches, and fiber-coupled optical components.
  • Develop Python-based automation scripts for instrument control, data collection, data processing, and measurement reporting.
  • Analyze measurement data, identify trends or anomalies, and summarize results clearly for the engineering team.
  • Work closely with photonics, laser, packaging, and characterization teams to support laser and SOA bring-up, debug, and validation activities.

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD or advanced degree program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Optics, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor lasers, laser physics, and basic semiconductor physics.
  • Familiarity with laser characterization concepts such as LIV curves, threshold current, slope efficiency, wall-plug efficiency, wavelength tuning, linewidth, RIN, SMSR, optical spectrum, and power stability.
  • Hands-on experience with optical lab measurements and optical test equipment.
  • Good understanding of semiconductor optical amplifiers, including optical gain, saturation power, noise, and wavelength-dependent behavior.
  • Experience using optical instruments such as optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, current sources, temperature controllers, photodetectors, and optical filters.
  • Exposure to Python scripting for instrument automation, data analysis, and visualization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for debugging open-ended lab and measurement issues.
  • Ability to work independently in a lab environment and communicate results clearly

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience characterizing DFB lasers, tunable lasers, laser diodes, or semiconductor optical amplifiers.
  • Experience with RIN, SMSR, linewidth, wavelength stability, or long-term optical power stability measurements.
  • Familiarity with fiber-optic alignment, polarization control, optical coupling, and optical loss budgeting.
  • Understanding of III-V semiconductor materials, laser diode operation, carrier dynamics, optical gain, and thermal effects in semiconductor lasers.
  • Experience building automated optical characterization setups using Python.
  • Experience preparing clear characterization reports, including plots, test conditions, measurement methodology, and conclusions.

Apply