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Nonlinear Optics Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field ... Experience designing laser cavities and laser systems, and nonlinear optics. * Experience working ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field ... Experience designing laser cavities and laser systems, and nonlinear optics. * Experience working ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Systems Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$128K - $208K/yr

S. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related ... Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion techniques, or high-power photonic systems

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Systems Engineer

Boston, MA

$128K - $208K/yr

S. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related ... Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion techniques, or high-power photonic systems

Lightera

Technical Manager, Fiber Lasers

Somerset, NJ · On-site

Physics,modellingand simulation of active fibers * Optical fibers,modesand waveguide design * Nonlinear effects (SBS, SRS, mode instability) * Fiber devices suchas fibercombiners, gratings, and mode ...

Astrion

IR Seeker Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

... Physics, or Mathematics. * Candidates must have at least 6 years of experience (4 years with a ... Familiarity with seeker window/dome design and nonlinear optics * Focal plane array designs and ...

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How much do nonlinear optics physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for nonlinear optics physics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Nonlinear Optics Physics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectNonlinear Optics PhysicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, research experience in opticsEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsIndustrial labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageFundamental research, academiaProduct development, system design

Nonlinear Optics Physics focuses on understanding and researching the fundamental properties of light-matter interactions in nonlinear regimes, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Optical Engineers apply optical principles to design and develop practical optical systems and devices in industry. While both roles require a strong background in optics, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nonlinear Optics Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nonlinear Optics Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optics, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in physics or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation software (like COMSOL or Lumerical), laser systems, and laboratory instrumentation is essential, along with experience in data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing experiments, interpreting complex phenomena, and advancing research or technology development in nonlinear optical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by physicists working in nonlinear optics research roles?

Physicists in nonlinear optics often face the challenge of designing experiments that require highly precise control of laser systems and optical materials, as even minor fluctuations can significantly affect results. Additionally, keeping up with rapid advancements in both theoretical modeling and experimental techniques can be demanding. Collaboration is essential, as projects often involve interdisciplinary teams including engineers and material scientists. Clear communication and adaptability are key to successfully contributing to and advancing research in this dynamic field.

What is nonlinear optics physics?

Nonlinear optics physics is the study of how light interacts with materials in ways that depend nonlinearly on the intensity of the light. When very intense light, such as that from lasers, travels through certain materials, it can cause phenomena like frequency doubling, harmonic generation, or self-focusing, which do not occur at lower intensities. These effects are important in applications such as laser technology, telecommunications, and medical imaging. Nonlinear optics is a key area of research in both fundamental physics and practical engineering.
Infographic showing various Nonlinear Optics Physics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 58% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Research Scientist / Engineer, Two-Photon Imaging & Holographic Optogenetics

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
Astera Neuro is a neuroscience research company building the tools and infrastructure required to understand how the brain works at scale. This role is central to that mission. You will lead development of a miniaturized two-photon microscope capable of simultaneous cellular-resolution imaging and holographic two-photon photostimulation in head-stabilized and freely-behaving mice and rats. The result will be all-optical readout and targeted perturbation of neural circuits at single-cell and ensemble resolution, with transformative implications for systems neuroscience.
The ideal candidate is a scientist-engineer who can carry the work end-to-end. You can perform a stereotaxic surgery in the morning, align an SLM-based beam path in the afternoon, and write the analysis pipeline that evening. You want the institutional support and freedom to move fast on a problem that matters. All animal research at Astera Neuro is conducted under IACUC-approved protocols with dedicated veterinary support, following the 3Rs framework and AAALAC standards.
About Astera Neuro
Astera Neuro is a neuroscience research company building the tools and infrastructure required to understand how the brain works at scale. We develop cutting-edge hardware and recording systems, with the goal of enabling the next generation of discoveries about neural circuits, cognition, and behavior.
What You'll Do
  • Perform stereotaxic rodent surgeries: AAV viral vector delivery, chronic cranial window implantation, and GRIN lens or miniscope head-mount installation in mice and rats.
  • Design, build, and iterate on a miniaturized two-photon microscope incorporating spatial light modulators for holographic photostimulation.
  • Develop and optimize two-photon optogenetics protocols for single-cell and ensemble-level activation with minimal off-target excitation.
  • Lead computational analysis of large-scale neural population data, including dimensionality reduction, population decoding, generalized linear models, and circuit-level inference.
  • Collaborate with optical engineers, software developers, and neuroscientists to integrate hardware, software, and biology into a coherent experimental platform.
  • Contribute to publications and internal technical documentation.

What We're Looking For
  • PhD in neuroscience, bioengineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated expertise.
  • Hands-on rodent surgery experience: stereotaxic injection, cranial window preparation, and secure implant fixation in mice and/or rats.
  • Practical experience with two-photon imaging systems, including optical alignment, system characterization, and in vivo use.
  • Proficiency in scientific computing for neural data analysis. Python and/or MATLAB, with familiarity with Suite2p, CaImAn, or comparable pipelines.
  • Strong foundational understanding of nonlinear optics, ultrafast laser physics, and fluorescence microscopy.
  • Bonus: direct experience with two-photon optogenetics (SLM-based holography, temporal focusing, or spiral scanning photostimulation); custom optical engineering with ultrafast pulsed lasers (Ti:Sapphire, fiber); miniaturized imaging systems; rat-scale stereotaxic surgery and freely moving behavioral paradigms; or machine learning applied to neural data.

Education
PhD in neuroscience, bioengineering, physics, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent demonstrated expertise will also be considered.
Compensation
The base salary range for this role is $180,000 to $230,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation also includes a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Benefits summary

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