1

Photochemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contamination Control Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

This role requires deep expertise in photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that impact the performance, reliability, and lifetime of DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate ...

Contamination Control Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

This role requires deep expertise in photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that impact the performance, reliability, and lifetime of DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate ...

2nd Shift Production Specialist

Perrysburg, OH

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

This position (Production Specialist) is responsible for the preparation and completion of engineered resins manufacturing for photochemistry applications. A detailed breakdown of the different ...

... photochemistry. Other projects that align with our general interest are also possible. Please see further details. The primary responsibility of the postdoc is to conduct research. The postdoc is ...

Production Specialist

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

This position (Production Specialist) is responsible for the preparation and completion of engineered resins manufacturing for photochemistry applications. A detailed breakdown of the different ...

Production Specialist

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

This position (Production Specialist) is responsible for the preparation and completion of engineered resins manufacturing for photochemistry applications. A detailed breakdown of the different ...

2nd Shift Production Specialist

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

This position (Production Specialist) is responsible for the preparation and completion of engineered resins manufacturing for photochemistry applications. A detailed breakdown of the different ...

Production Specialist

Perrysburg, OH

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

This position (Production Specialist) is responsible for the preparation and completion of engineered resins manufacturing for photochemistry applications. A detailed breakdown of the different ...

Experience with optogenetic proteins, light-controlled assays, or photochemistry/fluorescence instrumentation. Sequencing library preparation or sample-prep familiarity for assay readouts. Experience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Photochemistry information

See salary details

$8

$26

$61

How much do photochemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for photochemistry in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Photochemist do?

A Photochemist studies the interaction between light and chemical substances, investigating how light energy drives chemical reactions. They work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental science, to develop applications like solar cells, photodynamic therapy, and UV-resistant coatings. Their role often involves conducting experiments, analyzing reaction mechanisms, and developing new light-sensitive materials for different applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Photochemistry position, and why are they important?

To thrive in photochemistry, a strong background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, often with an advanced degree in chemistry or a related field, is essential. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, such as spectrophotometers and lasers, as well as experience using analytical software, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are highly valued in this role. These competencies are crucial for conducting precise research, analyzing complex data, and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary scientific teams.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a photochemist?

Photochemists usually spend their days designing and conducting experiments to study the interaction of light with chemical compounds, preparing and analyzing samples using advanced laboratory instruments, and recording and interpreting results. They often collaborate closely with other scientists, such as organic chemists, materials scientists, and engineers, to develop new products or processes based on photochemical principles. Regular tasks can also include writing research reports, presenting findings at meetings, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety protocols. This multifaceted role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovations in fields like solar energy, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
What are the most commonly searched types of Photochemistry jobs? The most popular types of Photochemistry jobs are:
Infographic showing various Photochemistry job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Contamination Control Engineer

Contamination Control Engineer

IPG Photonics

Oxford, MA • On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 416 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and working hand-in-hand with skilled teams of software and hardware engineers.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong foundation in chemistry to lead contamination control and manufacturing process development for deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that impact the performance, reliability, and lifetime of DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience diagnosing and mitigating chemically driven degradation in high-energy UV environments.
This is a technically demanding role with significant influence on materials selection, manufacturing process development, and long-term system reliability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and advance contamination control strategies for DUV laser manufacturing
  • Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface-driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and surrounding materials
  • Evaluate and select materials, including polymers, metals, adhesives, coatings, solvents, and cleaning agents for compatibility with deep-UV exposure
  • Develop and qualify cleaning, passivation, and handling processes based on chemical and surface-science principles
  • Lead root-cause analysis of DUV-induced failures and contamination-related issues
  • Model and experimentally validate contamination transport, adsorption/desorption, and photo-induced reactions in DUV environments
  • Collaborate closely with R&D teams to translate laboratory-scale DUV solutions into robust manufacturing processes
  • Define contamination-control specifications, cleanliness requirements, and acceptance criteria
  • Support supplier qualification, engagement, and audits related to chemical cleanliness and material compatibility
  • Mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject-matter expert in DUV contamination control and chemistry

  • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
  • Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination under deep-UV irradiation
  • Proven experience identifying and resolving contamination-driven performance or lifetime limitations in optical or laser systems
  • Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic contamination sources, outgassing, adsorption/desorption, and UV-induced chemical reactions
  • Experience working in contamination-sensitive environments such as cleanrooms or precision optics manufacturing
  • Familiarity with cleaning processes, contamination-control methods, and handling procedures for optical and laser components
  • Hands-on experience with DUV systems operating at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths in manufacturing, process engineering, or applied research environments
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to connect chemical mechanisms to system-level behavior
  • Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Experience with surface-analysis and contamination-diagnostics tools
  • Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and statistical analysis software
  • Background in reliability engineering for DUV optical systems preferred
  • Experience defining cleanliness standards for high-energy UV or photolithography-related applications preferred

What IPG Photonics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom