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Laser Spectroscopy Absorption Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements ... Optical coating performance (reflectivity, absorption, damage thresholds) * Hands-on experience ...

Xcimer Energy

Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO

$140K - $170K/yr

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements ... Optical coating performance (reflectivity, absorption, damage thresholds) * Hands-on experience ...

Canvas

Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

Experience with additional diagnostic techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), or stereo photogrammetry. * Familiarity with continuous ...

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Laser Spectroscopy Absorption information

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$62.5K

$216.4K

$261K

How much do laser spectroscopy absorption jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser spectroscopy absorption in the United States is $216,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $190,000.00 and $242,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Laser Spectroscopy Absorption vs Laser Spectroscopy Emission?

AspectLaser Spectroscopy AbsorptionLaser Spectroscopy Emission
Required CredentialsPhysics or Chemistry degree, spectroscopy certificationsPhysics or Chemistry degree, spectroscopy certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesLaboratories, research facilities
Industry UsageMaterial analysis, environmental monitoringMaterial analysis, plasma diagnostics

Both roles involve laser-based techniques in spectroscopy, but Laser Spectroscopy Absorption focuses on measuring how materials absorb light, while Laser Spectroscopy Emission involves analyzing emitted light from excited states. They share similar credentials and work environments, but their applications differ in the type of data collected and analysis methods.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Laser Spectroscopy Absorption, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Laser Spectroscopy Absorption often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise calibration of equipment, minimizing signal noise, and ensuring accurate sample preparation. Addressing these issues typically involves regular maintenance of laser sources and detectors, implementing robust data analysis protocols, and collaborating closely with laboratory team members to optimize sample handling. Staying updated on the latest advancements in spectroscopy techniques and participating in cross-disciplinary discussions also help in troubleshooting and improving measurement reliability.

What is laser spectroscopy absorption?

Laser spectroscopy absorption is a scientific technique used to study the interaction between laser light and matter, specifically how molecules or atoms absorb certain wavelengths of light. By measuring the amount of light absorbed as it passes through a sample, researchers can identify chemical compositions, concentrations, and physical properties. This method is widely used in fields like chemistry, physics, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics due to its sensitivity and precision.

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

To thrive as a Laser Spectroscopy Absorption Specialist, you need a strong background in physics, chemistry, or engineering, typically with an advanced degree and experience in optical measurement techniques. Familiarity with laser systems, spectrometers, data analysis software, and often certifications in laboratory safety are crucial. Critical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate experimental results and safe laboratory operations, which are essential for advancing scientific research and technological development.
Infographic showing various Laser Spectroscopy Absorption job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $216,396 per year, or $104 per hour.

Coatings Materials Scientist

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize fluorine-resistant optical coatings for laser-facing components, including mirrors, windows, and diagnostic optics.
  • Design and evaluate fluorine-compatible material systems for broader system applications (e.g., chambers, fixtures, and exposed hardware).
  • Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements, performance targets, and integration constraints.
  • Lead hands-on coating deposition efforts, including thin film development, process tuning, and substrate preparation.
  • Design and execute test plans and Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate coating adhesion, durability, chemical resistance, and optical performance.
  • Perform detailed materials and coating characterization, including microstructural, compositional, and optical property analysis.
  • Analyze failure modes (e.g., delamination, degradation under fluorine exposure) and drive root cause investigations and corrective actions.
  • Develop and document coating processes, specifications, and qualification procedures.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to scale coating processes from lab development to pilot and high-volume manufacturing.
  • Support integration of coatings into system hardware, including validation under relevant operating conditions.
  • Contribute to the development of experimental infrastructure and coating test platforms within M&P.
Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a closely related field.
  • Experience: 5–10 years of industry experience in coating development, materials engineering, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience developing optical coatings and/or protective coatings for harsh environments.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Thin film deposition processes (e.g., PVD, CVD, IBS, ALD,  sputtering, evaporation, plasma-based methods)
    • Coating adhesion, stress, and durability mechanisms
    • Optical coating performance (reflectivity, absorption, damage thresholds)
  • Hands-on experience with coating fabrication and processing.
  • Hands-on expertise with materials and coating characterization tools, including:
    • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
    • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
    • Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX)
    • X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
    • Optical microscopy and profilometry
    • Surface analysis and coating thickness/roughness measurements
    • Strong ability to correlate microstructure, composition, and processing conditions to coating performance
  • Experience designing and executing DOE and structured experiments.
  • Ability to independently troubleshoot complex materials and coating failures.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, hardware-focused environment.
  • Execution-focused mindset with the ability to move quickly from concept to validation.
  • Strong collaborator, able to work across optics, materials, and system teams
  • Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with statistical methods.
  • Experience writing technical reports, specifications, and documentation.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Desired
  • Experience developing coatings for chemically aggressive environments, particularly fluorine or halogen chemistries.
  • Background in laser optics, optical coatings, or high-energy laser systems.
  • Experience transitioning coatings from R&D to pilot or high-volume manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with scaling coating processes for industrial production.
  • Experience working with external coating vendors or contract manufacturers.
  • Knowledge of coating durability testing standards (thermal cycling, chemical exposure, laser damage).
  • Experience in system-level integration of coatings into hardware environments.
  • Highly hands-on and experimental, comfortable working in lab and hardware environments.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.