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Ultrafast Laser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Operate, repair, and maintain a variety of laser systems ranging from ultrafast to multi-kilowatt CW lasers, ultraviolet through far-infrared wavelengths. * Design and construct optical systems to ...

IPG Photonics

Reliability Engineer

Marlborough, MA

$106K - $133K/yr

Develop and implement reliability plans for ultrafast and UV laser products. * Define reliability requirements and qualification criteria based on customer requirements and industry standards.

IPG Photonics

Reliability Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Develop and implement reliability plans for ultrafast and UV laser products. * Define reliability requirements and qualification criteria based on customer requirements and industry standards.

SAIC

Laser Optical Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Operate, repair, and maintain a variety of laser systems ranging from ultrafast to multi-kilowatt CW lasers, ultraviolet through far-infrared wavelengths. * Design and construct optical systems to ...

SAIC

Laser Optical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Operate, repair, and maintain a variety of laser systems ranging from ultrafast to multi-kilowatt CW lasers, ultraviolet through far-infrared wavelengths. * Design and construct optical systems to ...

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Ultrafast Laser information

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How much do ultrafast laser jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for ultrafast laser in the United States is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ultrafast laser?

An ultrafast laser is a type of laser that emits extremely short pulses of light, typically in the femtosecond to picosecond range. In jobs involving ultrafast lasers, professionals often work with precise optical systems, laser calibration, and safety protocols to conduct research or manufacturing processes that require high temporal resolution.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles related to ultrafast laser technology are typically found in executive positions, research leadership, or specialized engineering roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing, often requiring advanced degrees and extensive experience. Salaries of $500,000 or more are usually associated with senior management, company founders, or highly specialized consultants in these fields.

What are some common challenges faced by ultrafast laser engineers, and how can they be overcome?

Ultrafast laser engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining precise alignment and stability of laser systems, as even slight misalignments can significantly impact performance. Managing thermal effects and minimizing noise are also frequent concerns when working with high-powered, short-pulse lasers. These challenges are typically addressed through meticulous system design, regular calibration, and the use of advanced diagnostic tools. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as optical physicists and electronics engineers, also helps in developing robust solutions and ensuring optimal system performance.

What is an ultrafast laser and what is it used for?

An ultrafast laser is a type of laser that emits extremely short pulses of light, typically in the femtosecond (10^-15 seconds) or picosecond (10^-12 seconds) range. These lasers are used for a variety of scientific, medical, and industrial applications, such as high-precision material processing, medical imaging, and fundamental research in physics and chemistry. Their ability to deliver intense energy in very short bursts allows for precise control and minimal damage to surrounding materials, making them invaluable in cutting-edge technology and research.

What is the most futuristic job?

A futuristic job related to ultrafast lasers could involve developing advanced laser technologies for applications like quantum computing, space exploration, or medical innovations. These roles often require expertise in physics, engineering, and cutting-edge research, and they are typically found in high-tech research labs or specialized industries. Such jobs are considered highly innovative and involve working with emerging technologies that shape future advancements.

What degree do you need to work with lasers?

To work as an ultrafast laser technician or engineer, a bachelor's degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D. in a specialized area of laser science or photonics, along with hands-on experience with laser systems and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Ultrafast Laser vs Laser Technician?

AspectUltrafast LaserLaser Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a physics or engineering degree, specialized training in ultrafast laser systemsOften requires a technical diploma or associate degree, training in laser operation and safety
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, medical research centersManufacturing plants, medical clinics, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch, scientific applications, advanced manufacturingIndustrial manufacturing, medical procedures, laser maintenance

Ultrafast Laser specialists focus on designing, developing, and applying high-precision laser systems in research and advanced manufacturing. Laser Technicians operate and maintain laser equipment across various industries. While both roles involve lasers, Ultrafast Laser professionals typically require more specialized education and work in research environments, whereas Laser Technicians focus on operational tasks in industrial settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ultrafast Laser Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Ultrafast Laser Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and laser technology, typically supported by a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Experience with laser systems, optical alignment tools, and control software such as LabVIEW or MATLAB, as well as safety certifications, are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, precise design, maintenance, and operation of advanced laser systems in research or industrial settings.
More about Ultrafast Laser jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Ultrafast Laser jobs? The most popular types of Ultrafast Laser jobs are:
What states have the most Ultrafast Laser jobs? States with the most job openings for Ultrafast Laser jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ultrafast Laser jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ultrafast Laser jobs are:
Ultrafast Laser jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ultrafast Laser job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,394 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Biophotonics Laser Applications Scientist

Iris Scientific Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Position: Biophotonics Laser Application Scientist
Location: Rochester, NY (on-site - relocation benefit available)
Base Salary: $100,000-$120,000
Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical premiums with funded HRA, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with employee match, annual bonus eligibility
Start Date: ASAP (generally within 2 months)
Contact: Andrew Millar; andrew.millar@irisscientific.com; 647-205-7151
Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency laser-focused on sales, marketing, and applications roles across the North American scientific instrumentation industry. We are working with a world-leading manufacturer of advanced laser systems to find a Biophotonics Application Scientist for their North American applications team, based in Rochester, NY. A relocation package is available for the right candidate.
This is a hands-on, customer-facing role at the intersection of laser technology and biological imaging. You'll integrate the company's lasers - both ultrafast and visible/diode systems - into microscopy setups, run in-lab demonstrations that prove performance against real customer requirements, and act as the technical bridge between the laser and the science it enables. You'll work alongside sales, product management, and R&D across North America and Europe.
Two-photon microscopy is the strategic focus, and the ideal candidate has personally integrated ultrafast lasers into two-photon setups - ideally on home-built or custom systems rather than turnkey commercial platforms. If you've aligned the beam path, managed dispersion and GDD compensation, and optimized pulse width at the sample plane yourself, this role was built for you. That said, the role spans the broader biophotonics portfolio, so experience with visible and diode lasers across techniques like fluorescence and confocal microscopy is valuable alongside the ultrafast work.
Just as important as the bench skill is the ability to translate: to take laser parameters - dispersion, pulse duration, repetition rate, wavelength - and explain what they mean for a biologist's image or experiment. That translation between the laser and the application is the heart of the role.
This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone who: loves building and optimizing optical setups, wants to turn deep technical skill into real customer impact, and is looking for a growth path into senior customer-facing and product roles.
If this sounds like you - please get in touch.
About the Role:
The Biophotonics Application Scientist ensures that the company's laser systems meet the demands of customers' imaging applications. Two-photon microscopy is the primary focus, but the role spans the wider biophotonics range - including fluorescence and confocal techniques served by the company's visible and diode lasers. You'll design and run demonstrations that prove compatibility and performance - sometimes to answer a specific customer enquiry, sometimes as experiments with academic collaborators that showcase new product capabilities.
Working from the company's in-house demonstration systems and at customer sites, you'll define success criteria with sales and application scientists, then design and implement the experiments that measure against them. You'll also represent the company within the biophotonics community - at conferences, workshops, and in customer labs - connecting customer needs back to sales, product management, and R&D.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan and execute laser demonstrations for key customers, both on the company's in-house microscope and at customer sites.
  • Work with sales and application scientists to define the requirements for successful demonstrations, then design and build the experiments to test them.
  • Integrate the company's lasers - ultrafast and visible/diode - into multiphoton, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy setups, managing dispersion and downstream optics to deliver performance at the sample plane.
  • Collaborate with academic partners to develop and demonstrate new application capabilities.
  • Translate laser performance into application impact - communicating the "so what" for customers' imaging and experiments.
  • Write or contribute to application notes, whitepapers, and journal articles.
  • Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and workshops across the Americas.
  • Visit the manufacturing facility in Europe to build familiarity with the full product range.

Key Requirements:
  • PhD preferred (MSc required) in physics, biophysics, optics, or a closely related field.
  • Hands-on experience integrating ultrafast lasers into two-photon microscopy, ideally on home-built or custom systems - including beam alignment, dispersion/GDD management, and pulse optimization.
  • Genuine working knowledge of ultrafast laser technology and its key parameters - not laser design or build, but a real understanding of how ultrafast lasers behave and integrate.
  • Familiarity with visible and diode laser systems and their use in fluorescence, confocal, and related biophotonics techniques.
  • Experience with additional microscopy techniques - light sheet, spinning disk confocal, super-resolution, SHG - is a strong bonus.
  • Ability to translate technical laser concepts into clear application value for biological imaging customers.
  • Confident communicator in person and remotely, with excellent presentation and writing skills.
  • Independent, well-organized self-starter, eager to grow within the role.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% throughout the US and internationally.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Apply