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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Fiber Laser Scientist II

Herndon, VA

Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond state-of-the-art while engineering systems for performance on challenging platforms with limited size, mass, and ...

NSS

Fiber Laser Scientist II

Herndon, VA

Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond state-of-the-art while engineering systems for performance on challenging platforms with limited size, mass, and ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace ... Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, 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 ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace ... Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, and ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace ... Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, and ...

nLIGHT

Laser Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

Apply detailed understanding of laser optic to development of commericial, military and aerospace ... Support Marketing and Sales personnel, Applications engineers, customers, and end users, and ...

Attalon, Inc.

Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$102.50K - $182.50K/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 ...

NSS

Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA

Laser Engineer Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications ...

NSS

Laser Engineer

Herndon, VA

Laser Engineer Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications ...

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

As of May 31, 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 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 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.

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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:
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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Laser Optics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,727 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Fiber Laser Scientist II

Fiber Laser Scientist II

NSS

Herndon, VA

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Fiber Laser Scientist
Herndon, VA

While working as a Fiber Laser Scientist at Fibertek, you will lead the design and development, integration, and test of advanced fiber laser systems typically with performance requirements beyond the state-of-the-art. Fibertek is a leader in the design, development, and delivery of advanced laser systems and technologies for military and aerospace applications.

Your JobWe are looking for and experienced and motivated fiber laser scientist or engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team and lead the design and demonstration of advanced laser systems. Example focus missions include space-based laser communications, lidar for tactical defense applications, earth-sensing lidar, and navigational lidars for planetary and docking missions. Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond state-of-the-art while engineering systems for performance on challenging platforms with limited size, mass, and power and over stressing vibration, thermal, and/or radiation conditions. Delivered systems make a national impact to customers at NASA and throughout the defense community. The work-load will at times include multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short duration research programs and longer duration technology maturation programs resulting in a work culture that is team-oriented, intellectually stimulating, and consistently rewarding.
  • Lead the engineering development of unique laser designs through modeling fiber laser performance, design analysis, component specification, and hardware assembly, integration, and test
  • Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of fiber lasers including multi-stage amplifiers, phase & amplitude modulation implementation, spectral and coherent beam combining
  • Coordinate and perform formal acceptance and qualification testing
  • Participate in customer interactions including formal technical reviews
Required Skills and ExperienceTo exceed in this Fiber Laser Scientist role, you'll need the below expertise and experience:
  • MS or PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering w/ a minimum of 5 years of direct hands-on fiber laser experience including designing, building, characterizing laser systems
  • Knowledge of the laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave lasers, pulsed, high peak power fiber, advanced fiber architectures, single-frequency injection locked lasers, low frequency noise lasers, electrical and thermal sub-systems.
  • Expertise in laser physics of fiber lasers and amplifiers, including ytterbium, erbium, and/or thulium gain materials.
  • Familiarity with relevant nonlinear processes and impacts to laser performance. Examples include Stimulated Brillouin Scattering, Four-Wave Mixing, Stimulated Raman Scattering, and Transverse Modulational Instability.
  • Foundational understanding of fiber-optic components including types of fibers, pump lasers, couplers, modulators, isolators, mode-field adapters, polarization components, and others.
  • Knowledge of tools for modeling fiber laser performance such as Matlab, RP Power Fiber or equivalent software
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating laser system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary communication
  • US citizenship required
Please apply today for this full-time Herndon-based Fiber Laser Scientist role and join the leader in the development of state-of-the-art laser and electro-optic solutions.
Why Fibertek, Inc?
At FIBERTEK, Inc. we pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment with minimal bureaucracy. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law. If you need assistance or an accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us by phone at 571-299-4487 or via email at hr@fibertek.com.
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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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