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Semiconductor Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cspeed

Laser Design Engineer (Epi/Device)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Cspeed IO is developing next-generation optical semiconductor solutions for the AI infrastructure ... We are seeking a Senior Laser Design Engineer to own device design and simulation for this laser ...

Coherent Corp.

Laser Test Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

... areas that utilize lasers. As a test engineer, you will be part of our product development ... military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a ...

Coherent

Laser Test Engineer

Wilsonville, OR

... areas that utilize lasers. As a test engineer, you will be part of our product development ... military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a ...

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All JobsSemiconductor Laser Engineer Jobs

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.

Optical Characterization Engineer

Mesa Quantum Systems

Boulder, CO • On-site

$133K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Mesa Quantum is seeking an Optical Characterization Engineer to support advanced electro-optical testing and analysis of semiconductor laser devices used in chip-scale quantum sensors. This role, reporting to the VP of Photonics, is ideal for a hands-on engineer with a strong background in optics, photonics, and semiconductor lasers who enjoys building and running sophisticated measurement setups, analyzing data, and working closely with senior engineers to improve device performance and test capability.
The engineer in this role will perform detailed characterization of quantum-optimized Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) across a range of operating conditions, including L-I-V-T, spectral behavior, linewidth, phase/frequency noise, relative intensity noise, modulation response, polarization, beam quality, and reliability- related testing. The role also includes support for screening and production-oriented optical measurements, helping bridge early-stage R&D characterization with scalable test methods.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform optical and electro-optical characterization of quantum-optimized VCSELs and related photonic devices using laboratory and automated test setups.
  • Work with senior engineers to develop, refine, and troubleshoot advanced optical characterization methods and test benches.
  • Analyze measurement data and correlate device performance with design, fabrication, packaging, and operating conditions.
  • Support reliability and environmental testing, including temperature-dependent testing, aging studies, and other stress-based characterization workflows.
  • Contribute to the development and validation of high-volume screening & qualification methodologies, with a path toward owning test flow development as the role matures.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for VCSEL characterization, ensuring measurement repeatability, traceability, and alignment with product acceptance criteria.
  • Write scripts and software tools for data acquisition, automation, analysis, and reporting.
  • Help maintain and improve laboratory equipment, test fixtures, and optical benches.

Required Qualifications
  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. in a related field.
  • Solid understanding of semiconductor laser physics, including laser operation, thermal effects, and modulation characteristics.
  • Hands-on experience with characterization of semiconductor lasers and optoelectronic components.
  • Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as optical spectrum analyzers, RF spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, source-measure units, temperature controllers, photodetectors, and related equipment.
  • Experience analyzing experimental data using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with VCSELs or other semiconductor laser devices
  • Experience with advanced laser measurements, including linewidth measurement, noise characterization, RIN characterization, and RF measurements
  • Experience with automated wafer-level, die-level, or packaged-device test environments.
  • Familiarity with quantum sensing and atomic sensing is a plus.

Benefits
Compensation Package:
Benefits
• Top tier employee and family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid parental leave
• Stock ownership plan
MesaQuantum is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

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