Senior Fiber Laser Engineer

Role: Senior Fiber Laser Engineer

Industry: Advanced Photonics & Electro-Optics (Directed Energy & Aerospace/Space)

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Workplace Type: On-site (Cleanroom / Laboratory)

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: $45.00 – $60.00 / hour ($93,600 – $124,800 annualized)

Position Overview

Our client, an established developer of specialized photonic devices for defense, space, and industrial applications, is seeking a hands-on Senior Fiber Laser Engineer to support product development for Directed Energy and NewSpace initiatives.

Operating primarily within an R&D laboratory and cleanroom environment, the engineer will be responsible for the assembly, characterization, and validation of high-power fiber laser systems, working in tandem with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-performance optical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Laser System Integration: Build, align, integrate, and test high-power fiber laser architectures and subsystem assemblies.

Laboratory & Test Operations: Configure and operate complex optical diagnostics, measurement apparatus, and test setups in cleanroom and laboratory settings.

Component Verification: Inspect, evaluate, and qualify incoming and assembled optical components, active/passive fibers, and laser modules.

Collaborative R&D: Work closely with cross-functional technical teams (mechanics, electronics, systems) to align laser performance with application specifications.

Component Logistics & Handling: Coordinate the procurement, staging, and handling of sensitive, high-value optical hardware and instrumentation.

Technical Field Support: Provide occasional on-site support at customer or integration facilities during system deployment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: B.S. or advanced degree (M.S. / Ph.D.) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience: 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience in laser systems development or optical hardware integration.

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship required (due to defense and aerospace compliance requirements).

Multidisciplinary Aptitude: Solid foundation across optics, mechanical interfaces, and electronic control setups.

Diagnostic Tools: Proven familiarity with laboratory instrumentation (optical power meters, oscilloscopes, optical sensors, thermal monitoring gear).

Work Style: Detail-oriented, self-directed, and effective within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on proficiency with specialty fiber handling, precision cleaving, stripping, and fusion splicing.

Direct background working on Directed Energy or NewSpace/aerospace laser programs.

Practical knowledge of fiber laser cavity dynamics, high-power beam management, and nonlinear optical effects.

Strong data analysis, technical documentation, and presentation abilities.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Rate: $45.00 – $60.00 / hour

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Flexible working schedule