LASER ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Jan 29, 2026 - The Laser Engineer applies advanced solid-state laser, optical design, and diagnostic expertise to build, test, and troubleshoot high-energy laser systems. This role requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and fault-isolation skills, along with hands-on experience delivering innovative solutions in fast-paced, cross-functional environments. The engineer also uses clear communication, sound judgment, and PC proficiency to collaborate effectively, drive improvements, and support special assignments with high professional standards.

Summary of Laser Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Optical Engineering with 7 years of Experience

  • In-depth knowledge and ability to apply concepts of optics, laser physics, and electromagnetism.
  • Experience with advanced concepts in laser physics, classical optics, and nonlinear optics
  • Experienced uin sing software for data analysis and modeling of optical, thermal, or laser device physics or interaction with tissue.
  • Knowledge of Mathematica, MATLAB,vZemax, Paraxia, COMSOL, and Python.
  • Experienced in developing software for data acquisition and hardware control using LabView, Visual Basic, Delphi, Python, or equivalents.
  • Basic knowledge of digital and analog electronics.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • A drive and passion for developing a holistic understanding of problems and developing creative, practical solutions promptly.
  • A sense of urgency in driving projects and a desire to set ambitious goals.
  • Interest and curiosity in biomedicine and biomedical applications.
  • Experience with fiber lasers, product development, or medical device design

2. BS in Physics with 5 years of Experience

  • Hands-on experience with design, characterization, and fabrication of fiber lasers
  • Prior experience with handling and splicing single-mode (doped and polarization-maintaining) fibers
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact well in group meetings/working environments
  • Ability to take ownership of tasks and problems and provide solutions
  • Self-starter with a relentless work ethic who can work independently, but who also functions well in a collaborative team environment
  • Prior industry experience in releasing a product and product data management
  • Prior experience in prototyping and troubleshooting fiber lasers
  • Prior experience with watt-class mode-locked lasers
  • Prior experience with laser-component vendors
  • Prior experience with diode-pumping and diode electronic drivers

3. BA in Engineering Physics with 8 years of Experience

  • Strong knowledge of diode-pumped high-energy solid-state laser theory.
  • Prior hands-on experience working with high-energy lasers.
  • Strong knowledge of laser diagnostics and diagnostic instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of optical theory, optical design, interferometric methods, encircled energy, and point spread function measurement.
  • Prior hands-on experience building, testing, and troubleshooting laser test and alignment stations.
  • Experience in the application and use of sophisticated analytical techniques and tools.
  • Strong analytical, fault isolation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to provide innovative designs and solutions to reach desired outcomes.
  • Experience with problem analysis and resolution
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working with others
  • Ability to recommend and implement improvements
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience with networked PC based computer systems (MS Office, spreadsheets, Access, graphics, Email, MRP systems, and accounting software)
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities involving external and internal priorities
  • Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment
  • Ability to handle special assignments promptly and professionally
  • Ability to set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency

4. BS in Electrical Engineering with 10 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of fiber lasers and amplifiers
  • Operational experience with fiber lasers or amplifiers
  • Understanding of the underlying fiber amplifier optical processes and limitations
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • Ability to combine information from processes, material designs, optical and thermal performance to provide effective failure analysis
  • Ability to splice optical fibers
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
  • Ability and willingness to adhere to government safety requirements
  • Willingness to learn and develop new skills
  • Experience with kW-class fiber laser amplifiers
  • Solid understanding of fiber amplifier design from low power preamplifier levels (10’s of watts) to high power amplifier design (kW level)
  • Experience with a single-mode output high-power fiber laser amplifier
  • Experience with spectral/coherent fiber laser amplifier beam combination
  • Understanding of the underlying non-linear phenomena impacting fiber laser amplifier performance(SBS, MI, Modulation Instability, etc.)
  • Experience with 10xx nm and 20xx nm fiber lasers and amplifiers
  • Component-level assembly of kW-class fiber laser systems

5. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 12 years of Experience

  • Familiarity with optical design and analysis software tools.
  • Examples include Zemax, FRED, GLAD, Code-V, and LASCAD.
  • Familiarity with laboratory development and modeling software tools (i.e., Matlab/Simulink, Labview, and Mathcad).
  • Knowledge of related laser-based remote sensing technologies (i.,e. coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric sciences, optical detection, signal/image processing).
  • Experienced with both product development and technology development organizations.
  • Expertise in high-power, ruggedized nanosecond-pulsed and continuous-wave fiber laser systems
  • Expertise in directed energy systems
  • Technical leadership of laser and NLO hardware transition to high TRL (for terrestrial, airborne, and/or space applications).
  • Ability to ensure new concepts and methodologies are documented for use by the team
  • Ability to use status as a knowledge leader in optical design and functional knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines and program management to provide technical leadership to a given program
  • Ability to aid in the analysis and solving of complex problems

6. BA in Applied Mathematics with 3 years of Experience

  • Must have a clean driving record.
  • Manager or supervisor experience.
  • Electronics and/or telecommunications background 
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and management.
  • Ability to communicate with proper etiquette.
  • Must be a go-getter and motivated.
  • Ability to multi-task while being attentive to scheduling at the locations.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative to become independent of direct supervision.
  • Enthusiastic, friendly, and energetic with a genuine desire to provide outstanding performance.

7. BS in Materials Science with 7 years of Experience

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience with lasers, optical design, and nonlinear optics.
  • Thorough understanding of geometrical optics and lens design principles.
  • Ability to interpret moderately complex to complex optical and mechanical specifications.
  • Experience in interfacing with customer requirements while working under limited direction.
  • Familiarity and some proficiency with MATLAB, Python, and/or similar tools for data processing and simulation.
  • Strong technical motivation to help ensure projects have a sound strategy and minimize risks while working to resolve moderately complex to complex engineering issues.
  • Strong technical and non-technical communication skills.
  • Strong interfacing and brainstorming skills as a team member.
  • Proficiency with basic electronics and associated test equipment.
  • Ability to pass company administered road test.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Be able to work a varied work schedule and travel.

8. BS in Photonics with 4 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience
  • Experience handling, operating, and characterizing optical components such as acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators
  • Ability to rapidly learn, understand, and evaluate technical concepts
  • Ability to independently design and conduct experiments that validate the performance of new designs or that identify potential improvements to existing designs.
  • Experience with laser and optical component characterization tools
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work self-directed and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Experience in aligning and testing laser equipment.
  • Experience in dealing with laser applications such as PIV, Spectroscopy, Micromachining, etc.
  • Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot electronic equipment.
  • Be able to work a varied work schedule and travel.
  • Be able to work in a team environment.