ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Laser Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA

Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Solid ... OPO/OPA systems * Single-frequency / narrow-linewidth lasers * Frequency conversion stages (SHG ...

Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Dulles, VA

Development, analysis, maturation and implementation of EO / Laser System requirements in both hardware and software Work with a mission engineering team to translate Customer needs into lower-level ...

KBR, Inc.

Systems Engineer (SETA)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Systems Engineer (SETA) As a part of KBR, you will work on some of the hardest problems in the ... Experience with laser systems and laser safety is highly desired; reliability and mission assurance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLaser Systems Engineer JobsLaser Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Laser Systems Engineer information

What is a laser systems engineer?

Laser Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain laser-based systems used in various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, and defense. They work on the integration of lasers into larger systems, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Their responsibilities may include system modeling, testing, troubleshooting, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These engineers need a strong background in optics, electronics, and physics, as well as problem-solving skills. They play a critical role in advancing technologies that rely on precise and reliable laser applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser systems engineer?

To thrive as a Laser Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and engineering, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation tools (like Zemax or Lumerical), CAD software, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex laser systems. These skills are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of advanced laser technologies used in various industries.

What are the most common interdisciplinary collaborations a laser systems engineer can expect, and how do these impact project outcomes?

Laser Systems Engineers often work closely with optical engineers, electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams to design and implement complex laser solutions. These collaborations are essential for integrating laser technology into broader systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safety and compliance standards are met. Effective teamwork can significantly improve project efficiency and innovation, as each discipline brings unique expertise to the table, leading to more robust and reliable laser systems.

What is the difference between Laser Systems Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectLaser Systems EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, certifications in laser technologyBachelor's or higher in optical, electrical, or physics engineering, certifications in optics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, aerospace, defenseResearch labs, telecommunications, imaging, medical devices
Industry UsageDesign and develop laser systems for various applicationsDesign optical components and systems for imaging, communication, or sensing

Laser Systems Engineers focus on designing and developing laser-based systems, while Optical Engineers specialize in optical components and systems. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds and often work in overlapping industries, but their specific focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Laser Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Laser Systems Engineer jobs in VA?

For Laser Systems Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Laser Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Solid State Laser Engineer (DOD/R&D/Space)

Herndon, VA • On-site

NSS
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about NSSexternal

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

  • Herndon, VA

Are you looking to work with a multidisciplinary team on cutting edge R&D that directly impacts space exploration, communication infrastructure, and our national security?? We are currently in need of a Solid State Laser Engineer! This is a permanent position, located onsite full time in Herndon, VA, directly supporting a seasoned company that has been at the forefront of innovation within this space for the past 3 decades!

In this role, you will gain experience in many aspects in the field of optics at all phases of the engineering design process. You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced laser systems.

The successful candidate will thrive in a small-company environment (that means fewer levels of managers), have direct hands-on experience with diode pumped solid state lasers operating in the UV/VIS/IR wavelengths, willing to ask questions and has a passion for development of the next generation tech for novel applications like space communications and Lidars.

Essential Job Duties:
  • Work with a team of mechanical and electrical engineers to build a unique packaged system that can withstand wide temperature operation or high vibrational loads. (The workload will at times include multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short duration research programs and longer duration technology maturation programs).
  • Contribute to the engineering development of unique laser designs through design analysis, component specification, and hardware assembly, integration and test
  • Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser resonators, amplifiers, non-linear frequency conversion modules and receiver components
  • Participate in customer interactions including formal technical reviews
Required experience and expertise:
  • BS Physics or Optical Engineering desired.
  • 4+ years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems
  • Knowledge of the laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub-systems
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating laser system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary communication
  • US citizenship required, Geen card holder considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of laser systems industry standard tools, i.e. Matlab, MathCAD, Zemax or equivalent software tools
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex laser challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity
Preferred experience and expertise:
  • MS in Physics or Optical Engineering. 6+ years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems
  • Proven demonstrated experience with complex laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub-systems
  • Comfortable presenting ideas, findings, obstacles to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Experience supporting programs within R&D laboratories in both an academic and government environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
NSS logo

About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All NSS Jobs

Apply