Senior Laser Engineer
Pulse Space
Seattle, WAFull-timePosted todayStill listed today
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Job overview
Pulse Space develops photonics and high-power laser systems for industrial, defense, and scientific applications. The Senior Laser Engineer designs, builds, characterizes, and optimizes high-power fiber laser systems from concept through prototype to production-ready hardware. The role combines hands-on laboratory work and analysis, collaborating with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to deliver reliable, manufacturable laser products.
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Full job description
Back to Careers Senior Laser Engineer High-Power Fiber Laser Systems Seattle, WA Full-Time R&D Division Apply Now
About this role Pulse Space Inc. develops advanced photonics and high-power laser systems for industrial, defense, and scientific applications. Our team drives innovation in kW-class fiber laser architectures, beam combining techniques, and next-generation directed-energy platforms. We are looking for a Senior Laser Engineer to design, build, characterize, and optimize high-power fiber laser systems from hundreds of watts to multi-kilowatt output levels. This role demands equal parts hands-on laboratory skill and analytical depth — you will take systems from concept through prototype to production-ready hardware. You will work alongside optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to deliver reliable and manufacturable laser products.
In this role, you will
- Design and develop high-power CW fiber laser systems based on Yb-doped and other rare-earth-doped fibers using MOPA architectures
- Perform precision optical alignment, fusion splicing, and assembly of fiber laser cavities, amplifier stages, and beam delivery optics
- Characterize laser performance: output power, beam quality (M²), spectral linewidth, temporal stability, noise (RIN/PSD), and wall-plug efficiency
- Debug and troubleshoot high-power laser subsystems from first light through qualification, identifying root causes under schedule pressure
- Diagnose and mitigate nonlinear effects — stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), transverse mode instability (TMI), and photodarkening — to maximize output power and reliability
- Select and specify critical optical components: pump diodes, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), pump combiners, isolators, cladding-mode strippers, end-caps and etc.
- Develop and maintain test procedures, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation for subsystems and integrated laser products
- Analyze experimental data using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools; build simulation models to guide design decisions and predict system performance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on thermal management, optomechanical packaging, control electronics, and system-level integration
What you bring
- B.S. or higher in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, building, and testing high-power fiber laser systems (>100 W output)
- Deep understanding of laser physics: gain media, resonator design, mode theory, Gaussian beam propagation, and fiber nonlinear optics
- Direct experience with Yb-doped double-clad fiber lasers and amplifiers, including pump absorption optimization, ASE management, and thermal load budgeting
- Proficiency in fiber preparation and splicing (fusion splicer operation, cleaving, stripping, and recoating)
- Working knowledge of laser safety standards and cleanroom / optical-lab protocols
- Familiarity with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, FRED, etc.)
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrated experience in data acquisition, statistical analysis, and technical reporting
What will set you apart
- M.S. in Physics, Photonics, or Optical Engineering
- Experience developing kW-class fiber laser systems, including SBS/SRS mitigation strategies, TMI suppression, and thermal management at multi-kW power levels
- Hands-on experience with spectral beam combining (SBC) or coherent beam combining (CBC) architectures
- Track record of transitioning laser prototypes from laboratory to manufacturing
- Background in defense, aerospace, or directed-energy laser programs is preferred
- Active U.S. security clearance or eligibility to obtain one is a plus
What we offer
- Competitive salary and equity participation commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match
- The chance to work on state-of-the-art laser systems with tangible real-world impact
- A collaborative, fast-paced R&D culture that values technical excellence
- Professional development support including conference travel and continuing education
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
Apply Now
How this job compares
Set against the 434 open Optical Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 10, 2026.
- Pay
- This postingNot listed
- Washington median$127–185K/yr24 salary ranges
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 25 open Optical Engineer jobs in Washington and 434 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 5 years of experience; Optical Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years at the median (377 postings).
- Education
- This posting asks for a bachelor's degree; 264 of the 434 open Optical Engineer jobs (61%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 10, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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