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Ultrafast Laser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY ยท On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Master's degree in Physics, Biophysics, Optics, or a related field (PhD preferred) Handsโ€‘on experience with ultrafast lasers, including managing dispersion and nonlinear effects in downstream ...

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Engineer III - Proto Lase

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Experience with industrial lasers (excimer, CO2, DPSS, ultrafast) and beam delivery systems; working knowledge of laser-material interaction for specific applications (e.g., laser welding). * Ability ...

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Ultrafast Laser information

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How much do ultrafast laser jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Ultrafast Laser job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,394 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Assistant Scientist - Time-Resolved Photoemission Electron Microscopy (TR-PEEM) - (NST)

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

TheCenter for Nanoscale Materials (CNM)atArgonne National Laboratoryinvites applications for anAssistant Scientistposition from candidates with expertise intime-resolved photoemission electron microscopy (TR-PEEM)and related experimental techniques for the study ofnanomaterialsandquantum materials.

We seek a creative and collaborative scientist with experience in developing and applyingultrafast, spatially resolved approachesto investigate nanoscale dynamical phenomena, includingcharge and energy transfer, carrier dynamics, exciton behavior, interfacial processes, and photoinduced effects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a world-class user facility and to help shape a leading-edge research program in ultrafast nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy.

About the Center for Nanoscale Materials

TheCenter for Nanoscale Materialsis aU.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facilitythat provides researchers from around the world with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities in multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology. CNM is dedicated to enabling transformative discoveries through bothstaff-led researchanduser-driven science.

The Role

The successful candidate will divide their efforts approximately equally between:

  • Independent and collaborative research, and

  • Scientific and technical support of CNM users

In this role, you will contribute to and help expand CNM's internationally recognized experimental program inTR-PEEMand related ultrafast nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy tools. We especially welcome candidates whose research interests align with CNM's strategic scientific directions and who are eager to leverage complementary capabilities available across CNM and Argonne.

A key part of this position is engaging with the broader scientific community by supporting internal and external users, advancing new experimental capabilities, and enabling impactful collaborative research.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead an experimental research program usingtime-resolved photoemission electron microscopyto investigate structural, electronic, and dynamical phenomena in nanomaterials

  • Advance and applyTR-PEEM methodologiesfor nanoscale studies of charge, spin, excitonic, and/or energy-transfer processes

  • Support the operation, development, optimization, and scientific application ofTR-PEEM instrumentationand related experimental systems

  • Provide scientific and technical support for user experiments, helping ensure successful execution and ongoing development of user-driven research projects

  • Collaborate with internal and external researchers to advance discovery innanoscience, ultrafast science, and nanoscale imaging

  • Contribute to CNM's strategic scientific directions through innovative research, instrumentation development, and active user engagement

  • Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and communicate findings through presentations, reports, and collaborative interactions

Position Requirements

Candidates should have a strong research background innanoscience, condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline, with a clear emphasis onphotoemission electron microscopy, ultrafast pump-probe measurements, and/or instrumentation development. Experience with complementary approaches relevant to TR-PEEM is highly valued, includingultrafast optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, ultrahigh vacuum systems, and surface science methods.

  • Ph.D. inPhysics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a closely related field

  • Demonstrated expertise intime-resolved photoemission electron microscopy, photoemission electron microscopy, or closely related ultrafast and spatially resolved experimental methods

  • Experience with relevant instrumentation, such asultrafast laser systems, pump-probe techniques, electron optics, vacuum systems, surface-sensitive spectroscopy, photoemission methods, and nanoscale imaging platforms

  • Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in areas such asTR-PEEM, PEEM, ultrafast microscopy, nanomaterials characterization, or related instrumentation and applications

  • Experience studyingnanomaterials, low-dimensional materials, interfaces, quantum materials, or photoactive systemsis highly desirable

  • Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment and to provide scientific guidance to a diverse user community

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials through theArgonne National Laboratory Careers Portal:

  • Acover letterdescribing your interest in the position and how your experience and expertise would contribute to success in the role

  • Adetailed curriculum vitae, including a list of publications

  • Thenames and contact information for three professional references

  • A1-2 page research statementoutlining your scientific research directions and your approach to engaging with and contributing to the scientific user program

We encourage applications from candidates who are excited to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative scientific environment.

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.