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Laser Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

Herndon, VA

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / Technician to support the hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory environment.

NSS

Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder

Herndon, VA

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands-on ... As systems mature, the technician will also support formalized build and acceptance testing for ...

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 ...

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 ...

KBR

Systems Engineer (SETA)

Chantilly, VA

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 ...

Fibertek, Inc

Fiber Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

Job Title Fiber Laser Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced fiber laser systems typically with performance ...

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Laser Systems Engineer information

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 Laser Systems Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

NSS

Herndon, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Fiber Laser Systems Engineer / Technician to support the hands-on build, integration, and testing of advanced fiber laser systems in a research laboratory environment. This role is critical to the successful execution of both prototype development efforts and formal deliverable systems.
This a long-term and permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is 100% onsite at headquarters located in Herndon, VA. (Relocation Bonus available!)
The resource will work closely with engineers and scientists, translating verbal direction, sketches, and partially defined procedures into high-quality hardware and repeatable lab work. This position is well-suited for a technician who has spent years in the lab, understands how research environments evolve, and takes pride in careful execution and mentoring through example.
Key Responsibilities
  • Independently assemble and integrate fiber laser subsystems and multi-stage fiber amplifiers
  • Perform complex fiber handling tasks including splicing, routing, and repair
  • Align optical components and fiber paths with minimal supervision
  • Support early-stage prototype builds where procedures may be incomplete or evolving
  • Execute formal build, acceptance, and qualification testing for deliverable systems
  • Interpret verbal instructions and informal documentation, and help translate them into repeatable build steps
  • Identify build risks, workmanship issues, or design-for-assembly concerns and communicate them to the technical team
  • Accurately document configurations, test results, and lab observations
  • Maintain lab organization, tooling, and best practices
  • Informally mentor junior technicians or new team members through example and guidance
Minimum Requirements
  • 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with fiber lasers, optical systems, or photonics hardware
  • Demonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype development programs
  • Proven ability to work from verbal direction, sketches, and evolving requirements
  • Strong understanding of fiber handling, optical alignment, and laser safety practices
  • High attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation quality
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience
    (Degree is less important than relevant laboratory experience.)
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience transitioning systems from prototype builds to deliverable hardware
  • Experience with formal acceptance or qualification testing
  • Experience working in small research teams or government/defense-related programs
  • Comfort serving as a “go-to” lab resource for build best practice

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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

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