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Semiconductor Laser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CivicMinds, Inc.

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Founding Process Engineer with 5+ years of experience in III-V semiconductor laser processing to develop and optimize fabrication processes for InP ...

LLNL

Senior Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer with expertise in semiconductor laser diodes. You will define, develop, and deploy high power laser diodes and diode arrays. You ...

Lyte AI Inc.

Laser Tech lead Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

You will own the development and validation of III-V semiconductor laser components and laser systems against system requirements. You will also serve as a liaison for validating laser performance ...

New

Lyte

Laser Tech lead Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

You will own the development and validation of III-V semiconductor laser components and laser systems against system requirements. You will also serve as a liaison for validating laser performance ...

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Semiconductor Laser information

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How much do semiconductor laser jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for semiconductor laser in the United States is $24.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Laser vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSemiconductor LaserOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics or Electrical Engineering degree, specialized training in laser technologyPhysics, Optical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering degree, knowledge of optics and laser systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, product development, optical system design
Industry UsageDesign and manufacturing of laser devices, photonicsOptical system design, laser integration, photonics applications

While Semiconductor Lasers focus on the development and manufacturing of laser devices, Optical Engineers work on designing and integrating optical systems that may include lasers. Both roles require a strong background in optics and physics, but Semiconductor Lasers are more specialized in laser hardware, whereas Optical Engineers have broader applications in optical system design.

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

To thrive as a Semiconductor Laser Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, electrical engineering, and semiconductor device theory, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or Physics. Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical), cleanroom fabrication processes, and photonics lab equipment is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex devices. These skills ensure the successful design, development, and optimization of semiconductor lasers in advanced technology applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in semiconductor laser development?

Professionals in semiconductor laser development often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise control over temperature and current to ensure stable laser performance, as small fluctuations can impact device reliability. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including material scientists and optical engineers, is essential to address integration and manufacturability issues. Additionally, staying current with rapid technological advances and adapting to evolving industry standards can require ongoing training and flexibility. These challenges make the role dynamic and suited to those who enjoy problem-solving in a fast-paced, high-tech environment.

What is a semiconductor laser?

A semiconductor laser, also known as a laser diode, is a device that emits coherent light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor material. These lasers are widely used in applications such as optical communications, barcode scanners, laser pointers, and CD/DVD players because of their small size, efficiency, and ability to produce a range of wavelengths. Semiconductor lasers work by recombining electrons and holes at the junction of a p-n semiconductor, which releases energy in the form of light. Their compactness and cost-effectiveness have made them essential in many modern technologies.
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Semiconductor Laser jobs near you
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Laser job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,757 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Semiconductor Laser Design Engineer

Ayo Semiconductor

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Ayo is a venture-backed early-stage startup that will radically re-define how humanity performs compute for AI. Our photonic processors will provide orders of magnitude improvement in speed and power efficiency in comparison to conventional digital compute platforms by taking advantage of the natural parallelism, speed and energy efficiency of light.

We are seeking a semiconductor laser engineer to serve as a core team member who will be among the first employees of the company. The engineer will drive the optimization of both active III-V epitaxy and active device design (on-chip lasers and SOAs). The ideal candidate has taped out or fabricated working semiconductor laser or SOA devices, has a deep understanding of the underlying physics, and has a desire to explore the limits of what can be built with current fabrication technologies. This will be a key role within the photonics team, requiring close collaboration with other team members and engineering functions.

Responsibilities:

  • Simulate/design III-V epitaxies optimized for our application

  • Design test structures for measurement of electronic and optical properties of fabricated epitaxial wafers

  • Design, tape out and test integrated lasers and SOAs

  • Work with systems, electronic, and AI teams to design prototype chips

  • Mentor & guide junior photonics engineers and photonics test engineers

Qualifications:

  • PhD or MS with 5+ years experience

  • Experience designing, taping out or fabricating, and testing integrated semiconductor lasers, LEDs and/or SOAs

  • Experience using commercial simulation tools (such as Ansys/Lumerical, Tidy3D, PhotonDesign or similar)

  • Proficiency with Python

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience designing multi-quantum well and/or quantum dot structures

  • Experience designing and laying out photonic integrated circuits

  • Experience probing/testing photonic integrated circuits

  • Experience with advanced packaging of photonic integrated circuits such as hybrid or flip-chip integration

Contact:

  • Mike Gould (mike@ayoelectronics.com)