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Ultrafast Laser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications. * Lead precision optical alignment, beam ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA

Ultrafast lasers and amplifiers * Laser frequency stabilization * Narrow-linewidth diode lasers * Integrated photonics design and fabrication * Micro-optic and diode chip assembly and packaging

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

Ultrafast lasers and amplifiers * Laser frequency stabilization * Narrow-linewidth diode lasers * Integrated photonics design and fabrication * Micro-optic and diode chip assembly and packaging

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

Ultrafast lasers and amplifiers * Laser frequency stabilization * Narrow-linewidth diode lasers * Integrated photonics design and fabrication * Micro-optic and diode chip assembly and packaging

Big Science Sweden

NY · On-site

FemtoMAX is an ultrafast beamline on the Short Pulse Facility (SPF) at MAX IV, utilizing ... Developing laser timing tools. * Contribute to the research, dissemination and educational ...

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How much do ultrafast laser jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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 (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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ultrafast laser engineer?

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.

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 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.

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Ultrafast Laser jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ultrafast Laser job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,394 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Reliability Engineer

Marlborough, MA

IPG Photonics
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about IPG Photonicsexternal

$106K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and workinghand-in-hand with skilled teams of software and hardware engineers.

Job Summary

The Reliability Engineer is responsible for ensuring the long-term performance, robustness, and durability of ultrafast (picosecond/femtosecond) and UV laser systems. This role focuses on reliability modeling, lifetime testing, failure analysis, and continuous improvement of laser modules, nonlinear conversion stages, optical components, electronics, and packaging. The engineer works cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and field service teams to enhance product reliability across the full lifecycle.

Responsibilities:Reliability Strategy & Planning
  • Develop and implement reliability plans for ultrafast and UV laser products.
  • Define reliability requirements and qualification criteria based on customer requirements and industry standards.
  • Perform reliability allocation and prediction (MTBF, FIT rate analysis).
  • Develop reliability growth plans and tracking metrics.
Lifetime & Environmental Testing
  • Design and execute accelerated life tests (ALT, HALT, HASS).
  • Conduct environmental testing (thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, shock).
  • Develop stress screening procedures for optical, electronic, and optomechanical assemblies.
  • Establish degradation monitoring protocols
Failure Analysis & Root Cause Investigation
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for field returns and production failures.
  • Perform detailed failure analysis on:
    • UV-induced optical degradation
    • Coating damage and contamination
    • Thermal lensing and beam distortion
    • Nonlinear crystal degradation
    • High-voltage electronics failures
  • Apply structured methodologies (FMEA, 8D, Fishbone, Weibull analysis).
  • Work with suppliers to address component-level reliability issues.
Design for Reliability (DfR)
  • Collaborate with R&D during product development to improve:
    • Thermal management
    • Mechanical stability
    • UV optical lifetime
    • Nonlinear conversion efficiency stability
  • Conduct FMEA reviews for new designs.
  • Recommend material and component upgrades to extend lifetime.
Data Analysis & Reliability Modeling
  • Analyze field and test data using statistical tools.
  • Perform Weibull and life data analysis.
  • Build predictive degradation models for UV optics and ultrafast components.
  • Maintain reliability databases and dashboards.
Field & Customer Support
  • Support field service teams in diagnosing complex failures.
  • Analyze warranty trends and customer feedback.
  • Provide technical reports on reliability performance.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3-8+ years of experience in reliability engineering or laser/optical systems.
  • Experience with:
    • Ultrafast lasers (ps/fs fiber or solid-state)
    • UV laser systems and frequency conversion stages
    • Optical coatings and nonlinear crystals
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Laser physics and nonlinear optics
    • Thermal and mechanical stability in precision systems
    • High-power diode reliability
  • Experience with reliability analysis tools (Weibull, Minitab, JMP, ReliaSoft, etc.).
  • Familiarity with HALT/HASS methodologies.
  • Strong root cause analysis skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with industrial laser systems (micromachining, semiconductor, medical).
  • Knowledge of UV-induced material degradation mechanisms.
  • Understanding of contamination control in UV systems.
  • Experience with cleanroom processes.
  • Six Sigma or Reliability Engineering certification (CRE).
Key Competencies
  • Analytical thinking and structured problem solving
  • Strong cross-functional communication
  • Detail-oriented with systems-level perspective
  • Hands-on troubleshooting capability
  • Data-driven decision making
Performance Metrics
  • Reduction in field failure rate
  • MTBF improvement
  • Warranty cost reduction
  • Successful product qualification on schedule
  • Closure rate and effectiveness of RCAs

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