Laser Engineer III

Lumibird USA; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumibird Photonics USA is seeking an experienced Laser Engineer III to design, analyze, test and document complex optical systems. You will lead architecture and integration of advanced solid-state lasers within interdisciplinary teams across commercial, industrial, medical, and military sectors.

The role requires a strong background in laser physics, optical design, and system-level engineering, with a focus on performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance, including ITAR and AS9100

Qualifications

• Advanced laser physics and solid-state resonator design expertise.
• Experience with beam propagation and thermal management.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, assembly, alignment, and characterization of solid-state laser systems.
• Develop and execute test plans, DOE, reliability qualification, and failure analysis.
• Drive system integration with opto-mechanics, beam delivery, electronics, and control systems.
• Create documentation including BOMs, specs, test plans, and reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and review work.

Skills

Laser physics

Optical design

Beam propagation

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related field

PhD strongly preferred

Tools

Zemax

FRED

Code-V

TracePro

Job description

The Laser Engineer III at Lumibird Photonics USA is an advanced level design role that requires the ability to define, design, analyze, test, optimize and document optical and opto-mechanical assemblies and subsystems utilized within Lumibird Photonics USA’s products. The engineer works with an interdisciplinary design team to develop commercial, industrial, medical and military systems, subsystems and standard product variants related to the photonics industry. The role involves applying advanced engineering design principles in the development of complex lasers and optical systems while driving innovation in system performance and reliability. It also requires mastering planning, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the architecture, design, modeling, assembly, alignment, and characterization of complex solid-state laser systems.
• Perform advanced laser performance analysis, including beam quality (M²), power stability, spectral behavior, noise, efficiency, and thermal management.
• Lead the technical approach to system integration, including opto-mechanical design, thermal management, and beam delivery systems.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, Design of Experiments (DOE), reliability qualification, and failure analysis.
• Drive system-level integration of lasers with opto-mechanics, beam delivery, electronics, and control systems.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and resolve difficult technical issues in laser performance, stability, or reliability.
• Create technical documentation, including detailed manufacturing drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, test plans, test procedures, and test reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, production, quality, supply chain, and project management) to integrate optical designs and resolve issues.
• Participate in and lead design reviews, risk assessments, technical discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations related to assigned designs and projects.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering as needed or assigned in troubleshooting production issues, field failures, sustaining engineering tasks and customer applications.
• Provide regular status/reporting of assigned tasks, projects and initiatives to supervisor and Director of Engineering.
• Develop project planning, scheduling, and execution for components, subsystems, and systems related to assigned programs and areas of technical expertise.
• Assess technical and schedule risks associated with innovative design solutions and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate component selection, manufacturing processes, and cost-reduction opportunities while ensuring designs comply with safety, regulatory, and quality standards as defined by the project requirements.
• Provide technical guidance for junior level engineers and technicians. Review their work for accuracy.
• Stay current with industry trends, new tools and technologies, and best practices in photonics through conferences, seminars and independent research.
• Contribute to innovation, process improvements, and the overall optical engineering capability within the organization.
• Strict adherence to industry regulations, export controls (ITAR/EAR), quality standards (AS9100), and cybersecurity requirements (CMMC).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a closely related field or equivalent experience with 5 to 8+ years of demonstrated industry experience. PhD strongly preferred.
• Ability to work and manage in a fast-paced environment with multiple programs and potential competing priorities.
• Proven ability to manage complex technical tasks with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communicator (verbal and written). Ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and concise way.
• Exceptional practical knowledge of laser physics, solid-state resonator design, beam propagation, laser-matter interactions, and optical systems.
• Effective in the use of Optical design software such as Zemax ™, FRED, Cod-V, Tracepro.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for tackling difficult technical challenges.
• This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with high-power lasers, ultrafast lasers, or specialty laser applications (medical, industrial processing, semiconductor, or defense).
• Knowledge of fiber optics, harmonic conversion, aberration compensation or laser frequency stabilization techniques.
• Knowledge of ISO-9001, AS-9100, ISO-13485, or equivalent Quality System.
• Knowledge of project management principles and tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time.
• Standing and working at optical tables in laser labs for extended periods of time.
• Good close-up vision for inspecting optics and other laser components.
• Ability to use fingers and hands to manipulate small objects.