Laser Engineer

Beacon Photonics; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Employee stock ownership

Generous health coverage

401(k) matching

Holidays

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Beacon Photonics is seeking a Laser Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of integrated lasers and optical microsystems. The role requires deep expertise in laser design, simulation, and experimental characterization within photonics, with collaboration across cross‑functional teams.

The ideal candidate will guide system-level requirements into laser architectures, build lab capabilities, and deliver engineered laser solutions to customers, reporting to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a similar field (or equivalent background)
• Expertise in design, simulation, and experimental characterization of optical hardware including semiconductor, solid‑state, fiber lasers and optoelectronic components
• Scripting and simulation tools such as Python, Simulink, VPI, Lumerical, and Matlab
• Hands‑on experience building, integrating, and characterizing laser systems using optical test equipment and automated data acquisition

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate high-performance laser systems based on integrated photonics
• Simulate laser architecture, cavity, and component performance to guide design decisions
• Test and characterize lasers and optical microsystems against design requirements
• Translate system‑level requirements into laser architectures and component specifications
• Develop and deliver engineered laser solutions to commercial and government customers
• Collaborate with a team of integrated photonics, electrical, and test engineers
• Build laboratory capabilities, lead development activities, and improve engineering processes

Skills

Laser design

System integration

Simulation

Experimentation

Education

Ph.D. in physics or electrical engineering

Tools

Python

Simulink

VPI

Lumerical

Matlab

Job description

Location: Arlington, VA or Santa Barbara, CA (On-Site)

Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

We are seeking an exceptional Laser Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and integration of integrated lasers and advanced optical microsystems. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in the design, characterization, and control of lasers, with a proven ability to apply this knowledge in practice. As a key team member, you will refine and deliver products, propose and lead technical efforts, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and report directly to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate high-performance laser systems based on integrated photonics
• Simulate laser architecture, cavity, and component performance to guide design decisions
• Test and characterize lasers and optical microsystems against design requirements
• Translate system‑level requirements into laser architectures and component specifications
• Develop and deliver engineered laser solutions to commercial and government customers
• Collaborate with a team of integrated photonics, electrical, and test engineers
• Build laboratory capabilities, lead development activities, and improve engineering processes

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a similar field (or equivalent background)
• Expertise in the design, simulation, and experimental characterization of optical hardware including semiconductor, solid‑state, fiber lasers and optoelectronic components
• Scripting and simulation tools such as Python, Simulink, VPI, Lumerical, and Matlab
• Hands‑on experience building, integrating, and characterizing laser systems using optical test equipment and automated data acquisition

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits and semiconductor optoelectronics
• Narrow linewidth lasers and stabilization techniques such as self‑injection locking and PDH
• Design and characterization of ultrafast, pulsed, and high‑power lasers
• Strong understanding of nonlinear optics including down‑conversion and frequency combs

Beacon Photonics has offices in Arlington, VA and Santa Barbara, CA. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us! Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, holidays, parental leave, and paid time off. Beacon is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

• competitive compensation
• employee stock ownership
• generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) matching
• holidays
• parental leave
• paid time off

Estimated Salary Range: $130K – $230K

Actual compensation for the role will be commensurate with the candidate’s education, work experience, skills, incoming position, and responsibilities.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.