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Semiconductor Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto ... Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually * Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto ... Laser Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000annually * Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000annually

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto ... Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually * Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto ... Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually * Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 ...

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 ...

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 ...

IPG Photonics

Manufacturing Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

... semiconductor laser testing methods and processes. Areas of focus will be to support the ... Programming skill and automation experience is preferred Education: * B.S., or M.S. degree in ...

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Semiconductor Laser Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do semiconductor laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor laser engineer in the United States is $112,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Semiconductor Laser Engineers face when working on new product development?

Semiconductor Laser Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing device performance under strict design and manufacturing constraints, ensuring reliability and longevity of lasers, and meeting tight project timelines. Additionally, troubleshooting complex issues that arise during the fabrication and testing stages requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with cross-functional teams like process engineers and optical designers. Staying current with rapid technological advancements and adapting to evolving industry standards is also essential to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Semiconductor Laser Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Semiconductor Laser Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optoelectronics, and semiconductor device fabrication, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (like COMSOL or Lumerical), cleanroom processes, and laser characterization tools is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precise laser device design, reliable performance, and successful collaboration in developing advanced photonic technologies.

What does a Semiconductor Laser Engineer do?

A Semiconductor Laser Engineer specializes in the design, development, and testing of semiconductor laser devices, which are widely used in telecommunications, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. They work on optimizing laser performance, ensuring reliability, and integrating these lasers into larger optical systems. Their responsibilities often include simulation, prototyping, and troubleshooting of laser components to meet specific industry requirements. Collaboration with other engineers and researchers is also common to advance laser technologies and applications.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Laser Engineer vs Photonics Engineer?

AspectSemiconductor Laser EngineerPhotonics Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsOptical systems design, research labs, telecommunications companies
Industry UsageOptoelectronics, laser manufacturing, defenseTelecommunications, imaging, laser systems

While both roles involve optics and laser technology, Semiconductor Laser Engineers focus specifically on designing and developing semiconductor-based lasers, whereas Photonics Engineers work broadly on optical systems, including lasers, sensors, and communication devices. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in specialization and application areas.

Laser Engineer

Laser Engineer

nLIGHT

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Who We Are 
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
 
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary
Develop next-generation laser products in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company.  Take products from concept phase through product release and into manufacturing as a core member of an interdisciplinary team.
Functions
  • Contribute to cross-functional development teams to deliver innovative laser products.
  • Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace laser products.
  • Provide technical leadership within a structured product-development process, including planning and tracking, leading experimental and modeling activities, conducting data and design reviews, leading problem-solving teams and failure analyses, and documenting and reporting results.
  • Develop and refine fiber processing tools and techniques to enable manufacturing of lasers and critical components.
  • Develop optical diagnostic methods and tools for characterizing lasers and components.
  • Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, and translate market needs into product development projects.
  • Direct activities of technicians.
 Desired Qualifications
  • BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
  • Hands-on experience with the development and manufacturing of lasers, amplifiers and fiber-based components.  Experience with optical fiber, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, electro optics and opto-mechanics is advantageous.
  • Experience with measurement tools and techniques for characterizing the spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics of high-power lasers.
  • Solid analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with statistical analysis tools, simulation software, statistical process control, and design of experiments.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally as both a team leader and a contributor.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications: 
  • Laser Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000 annually 
  • Laser Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually
  • Senior Laser Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000 annually 
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5-6% of earned wages, depending on level
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
 
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster 
  • Right to Work Poster 

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