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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quantinuum

Advanced Laser Engineer - 876

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

Participate in a team of laser scientists and optical engineers supporting the development and builds of commercial and research systems for quantum computing * Provide technical expertise to laser ...

Protingent

Mechanical Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Mechanical Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting Direct Hire ... Develop and validate mechanical tolerance stack-ups, ensuring proper alignment of laser optics and ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with Major in Physics * 10+ years' experience with lasers, optics, imaging systems * Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical ...

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Senior Laser Engineer 2 will lead the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Lasers & Optics team is looking for an Optical Engineer to design and build the free-space optical path for our next generation laser communications system. This role spans the transmitter beam ...

Attalon, Inc.

Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$102K - $182K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

PhD in Science or Engineering, preferably with Major in Physics * 10+ years' experience with lasers, optics, imaging systems * Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design ... for laser beamlines, diagnostics, adaptive optics systems, beam transport systems, and related ...

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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer information

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How much do trainee laser optics engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee laser optics engineer in the United States is $22.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and technologies will I typically work with as a Trainee Laser Optics Engineer?

As a Trainee Laser Optics Engineer, you will often be involved in hands-on assembly, alignment, and testing of optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and laser systems. You'll gain experience using precision equipment in cleanroom or laboratory environments, collaborating closely with senior engineers, scientists, and production teams. Your daily tasks may include assisting in the setup and calibration of laser systems, documenting test results, and troubleshooting optical setups. This role offers excellent opportunities to learn about cutting-edge photonics technologies and contributes to a collaborative team atmosphere that supports your professional development.

What does a Trainee Laser Optics Engineer do?

A Trainee Laser Optics Engineer assists in the design, testing, and maintenance of optical systems that use lasers for various applications, such as communications, manufacturing, or medical devices. They support senior engineers in assembling and aligning optical components, conducting experiments, and troubleshooting issues related to laser performance. Trainees also learn about safety protocols, calibration procedures, and data analysis, gaining hands-on experience with sophisticated equipment. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong background in physics or engineering who are interested in specializing in optics and photonics.

What is the difference between Trainee Laser Optics Engineer vs Laser Optics Technician?

AspectTrainee Laser Optics EngineerLaser Optics Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in optical engineering or physicsVocational training or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, and engineering teamsManufacturing floors, maintenance, and assembly areas
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, high-tech companies, and aerospace firmsLaser manufacturing, medical device companies, and industrial facilities

The main difference is that Trainee Laser Optics Engineers focus on designing and developing laser optical systems, often in a learning or entry-level capacity, while Laser Optics Technicians handle the assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of existing laser systems. Both roles require knowledge of optics, but the engineer role emphasizes design and innovation, whereas the technician role emphasizes hands-on technical skills.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Laser Optics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics or engineering, particularly in optics and photonics, typically backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with optical design software, laboratory instrumentation, and laser safety certifications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precise experimentation, safe operation, and successful collaboration on complex optical systems.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Laser Optics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Laser Optics Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Optics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Laser Optics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Laser Optics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Laser Optics Engineer jobs include:
Trainee Laser Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Laser Optics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,727 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Optical Engineer, Lasers and Photonics

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Cowboy Space Corp.
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the Role:
The Lasers & Optics team is looking for a Laser & Photonics Engineer to design and build the next generation communication backbone to our orbital datacenters. This role requires hands-on experience with fiber laser systems and a strong foundation in fiber-optic component integration and characterization. You will work closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to bring up and verify the end-to-end communications link.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop high-power fiber laser and amplifier systems for space-based applications.
  • Characterize laser sources including linewidth, phase noise, RIN, and spectral purity.
  • Select, integrate, and qualify fiber-optic components and subsystems for integration into a space-based platform.
  • Perform and supervise fiber splicing and assembly of fiber-optic subassemblies.
  • Model and measure fiber nonlinearity effects including SBS and SPM.
  • Design and align coherent fiber-optic receivers.
  • Develop and execute test plans for optical performance verification including BER, eye diagrams, and spectral measurements.
  • Generate design specifications, assembly procedures, and test reports.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with fiber-optic systems including splicing, component integration, and characterization.
  • Experience with rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers.
  • Familiarity with fiber-optic communications modulation formats.
  • Experience operating OSAs, power meters, polarimeters, and high-speed oscilloscopes.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
  • Hands-on experience building and characterizing MOPA fiber amplifier chains.
  • Familiarity with SBS, SPM, and other nonlinearity effects in high-power fiber systems.
  • Experience with interferometric optical receivers or coherent detection front-ends.
  • 5+ years of experience in a laser communications, defense, or aerospace photonics role.
  • Experience with free-space optical communications or LEO inter-satellite links.
  • Experience with environmental validation of space-based laser systems (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
  • Experience with Class 4 laser lab environments.

Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements:
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer:
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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