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Ultrafast Laser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TOPTICA Photonics AG

NY · On-site

$300K/yr

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

Rutgers University

Assistant Professor

Newark, NJ · On-site

$105K/yr

Among others, it houses optical spectroscopy equipment, including an ultrafast laser pump-probe system; a Raman microscope, scanning electron and multi-mode scanning probe microscopes; single crystal ...

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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.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in All-Photonic Path-Entangled Quantum Networking

Boulder, CO • On-site

Southeastern Universities Research Association
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Southeastern Universities Research Associationexternal

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: All-photonic path-entangled quantum networking
The work will entail: This position focuses on the development of optical hardware for a quantum network based on path-entanglement, as well as the quantum measurements needed to demonstrate an all-photonic quantum repeater. The work will leverage techniques from optical frequency metrology and atomic clock networks, including phase-stabilized fiber links and high-coherence optical sources based on modelocked ultrafast lasers.
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Develop and maintain free-space and fiber-based optical systems for quantum networking experiments
  • Implement and operate optical frequency dissemination and phase-stabilized fiber links
  • Integrate and characterize single-photon sources and related photonic components
  • Perform quantum optical measurements to evaluate interference, coherence, and network fidelity
  • Use stability and phase noise characterization techniques to assess fiber link and single photon source performance.

Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizen Preferred
  • Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
  • Strong background in one or more of:
    • quantum optics
    • atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO)
    • photonics or optical communications
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Preferred experience or familiarity with:
    • ultrafast modelocked lasers
    • Experience with lasers and optical cavities, fiber-based systems and free-space or guided-wave optics
    • single photons and entanglement
    • interference and coherence

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004716

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