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Ultrafast Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

NY · On-site

$72.45 - $93.15/hr

FemtoMAX is an ultrafast beamline on the Short Pulse Facility (SPF) at MAX IV, utilizing femtosecond time‑resolved X‑ray techniques to enable studies of the structural dynamics of materials. You ...

NY · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Experience with ultrafast laser diagnostic equipment * Experience with industry software, including Zemax. * Experience with ultrafast laser diagnostic equipment. Additional Qualifications

Director, Laser Technology

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$195K - $270K/yr

Own the technical roadmap for high-power laser systems, beam shaping optics, and ultrafast laser slicing for diamond wafers. * Lead and scale a high-performing team of photonics engineers, optical ...

Showing results 21-40

Ultrafast information

See salary details

$29.5K

$65.8K

$106K

How much do ultrafast jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for ultrafast in the United States is $65,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ultrafast?

An Ultrafast job typically refers to roles in industries that prioritize rapid delivery and real-time processing, such as logistics, e-commerce, or high-speed technology sectors. These jobs often involve working in fast-paced environments where efficiency, automation, and quick decision-making are crucial. Positions in this field may include roles in instant delivery services, high-frequency trading, or ultrafast laser research. The specific responsibilities vary depending on the industry but generally require strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ultrafast scientist?

To thrive as an Ultrafast Scientist, you need a strong background in physics or physical chemistry, experience with ultrafast spectroscopy, and an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. Expertise with femtosecond lasers, optical measurement tools, and data analysis software like MATLAB or LabVIEW is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help drive innovative research and teamwork. These competencies are vital for advancing scientific discoveries, ensuring experimental accuracy, and contributing to multidisciplinary research environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in ultrafast science or technology roles?

Professionals in ultrafast science or technology often work with cutting-edge equipment and techniques, such as femtosecond lasers or time-resolved spectroscopy. Common challenges include troubleshooting highly sensitive instruments, keeping up with rapid technological advancements, and interpreting complex data sets. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is typical, requiring strong communication skills. Flexibility and a willingness to continually learn are essential for success in this fast-evolving field.

What is the difference between Ultrafast vs Ultrasonographer?

AspectUltrafastUltrasonographer
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training in ultrafast imaging techniquesRequires certification in diagnostic medical sonography
Work EnvironmentOperates in medical imaging settings, focusing on high-speed imagingWorks in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs performing ultrasound scans
Industry UsageUsed in advanced medical imaging, research, and diagnostic proceduresCommonly employed in healthcare for patient diagnostics

Ultrafast refers to a specialized imaging technique used in medical diagnostics, often requiring advanced training. Ultrasonographer is a healthcare professional who performs ultrasound scans. While both are involved in medical imaging, Ultrafast focuses on high-speed imaging technology, whereas Ultrasonographers operate the equipment to capture diagnostic images.

More about Ultrafast jobs
Infographic showing various Ultrafast job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,816 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Reliability Engineer

IPG Photonics

Marlborough, MA • On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


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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