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Senior Laser Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$102K - $182K/yr

... Senior Principal Laser Engineer to support the development of High Energy Lasers at our Laser ... Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, electrical engineering, or a related ...

This is a senior position requiring deep technical expertise in semiconductor laser physics and the ability to drive complex photonic device development from architecture through productization. The ...

... Senior Principal Laser Engineer to support the development of High Energy Lasers at our Laser ... Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, electrical engineering, or a related ...

New

Senior Development Scientist

Hickory, NC

$81K - $111K/yr

Scope of Role Corning is seeking a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive ... PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials ...

Senior Development Scientist

Hickory, NC · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Scope of Role Corning is seeking a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive ... PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials ...

Senior Development Scientist

Hickory, NC · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Scope of Role Corning is seeking a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive ... PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials ...

Design and execute experiments involving lasers, spectroscopy, imaging, and time resolved ... Interface with the scientific board and senior scientists to understand experimental priorities and ...

Lead Experimental Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Design and execute experiments involving lasers, spectroscopy, imaging, and time resolved ... Interface with the scientific board and senior scientists to understand experimental priorities and ...

Design and execute experiments involving lasers, spectroscopy, imaging, and time resolved ... Interface with the scientific board and senior scientists to understand experimental priorities and ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Laser Physicist information

See salary details

$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do senior laser physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior laser physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior laser physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Laser Physicist, you need advanced knowledge in laser physics, optics, and photonics, usually backed by a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in physics or engineering. Experience with laser simulation software, optical design tools, and laboratory instrumentation, along with familiarity with industry standards and safety protocols, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for driving research innovation, ensuring precise experimental results, and leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve complex technical goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior laser physicists when leading multidisciplinary research projects?

Senior Laser Physicists often collaborate with engineers, technicians, and other scientists on complex research projects, which can present challenges in aligning objectives, managing timelines, and integrating diverse technical perspectives. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to ensure that all team members are working towards common goals. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly advancing laser technologies and adapting to new methodologies can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

What is the difference between Senior Laser Physicist vs Laser Engineer?

AspectSenior Laser PhysicistLaser Engineer
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in physics or optics, often PhDBachelor's or Master's in engineering, physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product development, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, defense, aerospace, academiaTech companies, laser manufacturing firms, industrial sectors

While both roles involve laser technology, Senior Laser Physicists focus on research, development, and theoretical work, often requiring advanced degrees. Laser Engineers typically work on designing, testing, and implementing laser systems in industrial or commercial applications. The roles differ mainly in their focus—research versus application—and their typical work environments.

What does a senior laser physicist do?

A Senior Laser Physicist is responsible for researching, developing, and optimizing laser systems and related optical technologies. They design experiments, analyze data, and contribute to advancements in areas such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, or defense. Their role often includes leading research teams, publishing findings, and collaborating with engineers and other scientists to implement laser solutions in practical applications.
More about Senior Laser Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Laser Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Laser Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Laser Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Laser Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Laser Physicist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Laser Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Laser Physicist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Laser Physicist 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 $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Sr. Manager, Laser Development

The Hiring Method, LLC

Fremont, CA

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Work Setting: Onsite – Fremont, CA

Compensation: $170,000–$210,000 base salary

Bonus: 16% target annual bonus

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), RSU eligibility, relocation assistance, paid time off, and comprehensive employee benefits package

Work Authorization: Qualified candidates requiring a TN-1 visa or H-1B transfer are encouraged to apply. New H-1B sponsorship is not available for this opportunity.


Position Summary

A global leader in advanced photonics and optical communications is seeking a Senior Manager, Laser Development to lead the development of next-generation InP semiconductor laser technologies supporting AI optical networking, silicon photonics, and high-speed data communications.

This is a highly visible technical leadership role responsible for driving semiconductor laser product development from concept through qualification and production. Working alongside world-class engineering teams, you will provide strategic technical direction across device design, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing while helping shape the future technology roadmap.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished semiconductor laser expert with deep InP device knowledge, a proven record of leading complex product development programs, and a passion for mentoring engineers while delivering innovative products to market.


Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of next-generation InP semiconductor laser products from concept through production release

• Provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, modeling, and performance optimization

• Direct cross-functional development efforts involving epitaxy, wafer fabrication, characterization, reliability, assembly, and manufacturing

• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, foundries, and internal engineering teams to translate product requirements into innovative solutions

• Drive multiple development programs while balancing technical risk, project schedules, and business priorities

• Mentor engineers and foster technical excellence across multidisciplinary development teams

• Support technology roadmap development, strategic planning, and future product innovation

• Influence manufacturing readiness, product qualification, yield improvement, and continuous process optimization


Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline (Ph.D. preferred)

• 15+ years of semiconductor laser development experience, with 20+ years preferred

• Deep expertise in InP semiconductor laser physics and device design

• Proven success leading semiconductor laser products from concept through production

• Strong understanding of laser simulation, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing

• Demonstrated technical leadership across complex cross-functional engineering programs

• Strong customer-facing communication skills with the ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders

• Experience making technical decisions and driving execution in fast-paced development environments

Preferred Backgrounds

• Leadership experience building or mentoring high-performing engineering teams

• Publications or patents related to semiconductor laser technology

• Experience with DFB lasers, silicon photonics, and optical communications products

• Experience with device modeling and simulation tools such as Ansys, Crosslight, FIMMWAVE, Lumerical, or similar platforms

• Background supporting hyperscale networking, AI infrastructure, or advanced photonic technologies

• Experience collaborating with global engineering organizations and manufacturing partners


Why This Opportunity

• Lead the development of next-generation semiconductor laser technologies powering AI infrastructure and optical networking

• Join one of the industry's premier InP laser development organizations with a history of breakthrough innovations

• Play a key role in defining future product strategy and technology roadmaps

• Work alongside world-class experts in photonics, semiconductor devices, and optical communications

• Opportunity to mentor engineers and help build future technical leadership within the organization

• High-impact role with significant visibility across engineering leadership, customers, and executive management

• Competitive compensation package including annual bonus, RSU eligibility, relocation assistance, and comprehensive benefits