Senior Laser Engineer

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