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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Coherent

Laser Processing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

Align and calibrate laser optical system * Calibrate and maintain laser galvo system * Work with ... Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD Experience: College science lab and ...

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 ...

Attalon, Inc.

Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

Beavercreek, 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 ...

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 ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO

$190K - $220K/yr

... laser beamlines, diagnostics, adaptive optics systems, beam transport systems, and related optical subsystems. * Work with science, systems engineering, and laser teams to derive, allocate, and ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Laser Safety Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Laser Safety Engineer owns end-to-end laser safety by design. The work sits at the architecture ... It covers heterogeneous setups on optical tables and off them, in rack-mounted chassis and on free ...

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

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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 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 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 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?

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,727 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Laser Processing Engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Saxonburg, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description


Job Summary
As a Laser Processing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in our R&D department. Your primary responsibility will be to design and optimize laser machining processes for high-end thermal management components, ensuring efficient and effective solutions. This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a technical degree, offering an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to innovative projects.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop and run laser cut strategies, optimizing for cut quality and material removal rate
  • Create a preventative maintenance schedule for laser processing systems and address system faults and issues as they arise.
  • Conduct metrology on sample cuts and verify conformance with product drawings
  • Conduct thermal testing on prototype pieces, including but not limited to thermal test vehicle (TTV) testing, flow tests, pressure tests, etc.
  • Align and calibrate laser optical system
  • Calibrate and maintain laser galvo system
  • Work with multi-disciplinary team to guide design and simulation optimization loops for channel geometry and features.

Education & Experience
Education: 4 year Science or Engineering Degree, BS minimum requirement.
Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD
Experience: College science lab and engineering project experience.
Skills & Other Requirements
  • High organization skills, motivation, good inter-personal skills for interfacing with customers and other departments.
  • Good analytical skills for problem solving, good technical writing skills, and some computer programming skills.
  • Strong physics understanding, therefore, able to do theoretical analysis, both optical and electrical.
  • Concise report writing is also required to aid in communicating complex optical issues.
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills
  • Automation and scripting experience preferred
  • Laser processing/material removal experience preferred but not required

Working Conditions
Office, general laboratory, high power laser operation
Physical Requirements
Office and general laboratory.
Good laser safety and electrical safety practices are essential.
  • Standing (hours per day): 2-3 hours
  • Lifting (lbs.): up to 20 lbs solo and 50 lbs in a team lift
  • Pushing/Pulling (lbs.): none
  • Sitting (hours per day): 5-6 hours

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and COHERENT Corporate EHS standards.
Good laser and electrical safety practices are essential.
Quality & Environmental Responsibilities
Responsible for all operations of optical design group which includes work distribution,
organization, documentation, software selection, training, risk assessment design quality for entire group.
  • Confidential Information: Often involved with proprietary information belonging to Coherent and its customers.
  • Involved with assessing technical feasibility towards setting strategic direction of IR Engineering and NPI activities.
    Contacts with Others: Contact with outside customers, by traveling overseas and domestically and by phone and written communications, regarding optical design and electro-optic design and support during the quotation, ordering, and post order support stages.

Extensive interfacing with the sales department during the quotation of special optics and electro-optics.
Strong interfacing with manufacturing and QA departments to solve design and manufacturing issues.
Support documentation and filing of Coherent Patents and Trade Secrets.
Training and mentoring other Coherent employees.
Transfer of new products manufacturing and testing from prototype to production.
Errors: Errors may result in manufacturing costs, scrapped parts and poor delivery to our customers. Technical reputation of Coherent may be jeopardized by errors made in this role.
Engineer must possess ability for self monitoring and error checking so that errors are kept to a minimum.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement laser machining processes for thermal management components.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand product requirements and design specifications.
  • Optimize laser parameters and machining strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Conduct experiments and analyze data to improve process efficiency and quality.
  • Document and maintain records of process development and optimization activities.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser technology and its applications.
  • Support the manufacturing team in implementing and troubleshooting laser processes.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations during laser processing.
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members as needed.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • Strong knowledge of laser principles and applications, preferably with an understanding of mechanical components.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
  • Proficiency in using relevant software for laser process simulation and design.
  • Good communication and collaboration skills for effective teamwork.
  • Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control.
  • Knowledge of thermal management principles is an asset.
  • No prior experience is required, as this is an entry-level position.

About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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