Laser Process Engineer

GCS Recruitment; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment seeks a Laser Process Engineer in the Minneapolis area to develop, optimize, and support laser-based manufacturing for next-gen fiber optic products. This 12+ month contract focuses on laser ablation, cutting, welding, and precision processing, with collaboration across manufacturing, quality, automation, and product teams.

The ideal candidate holds a BS/MS/PhD in a related field and demonstrates hands-on experience with fiber and ultrafast lasers, DOE, and process validation in

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or related field
• Experience with Fiber, Nd:YAG, 1064nm, CO2, Picosecond, Femtosecond, or Ultrafast lasers
• Background in laser process development, manufacturing, or photonics
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience with DOE, Six Sigma, SPC, PFMEA, IQ/OQ/PQ, or process validation
• Experience in medical device, semiconductor, photonics, or advanced manufacturing environments preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize laser processes including laser ablation, cutting, welding, and precision material processing
• Troubleshoot laser, optical, and motion-control systems
• Perform DOE, process characterization, validation, and yield improvement activities
• Support equipment qualification, process scale-up, and production readiness
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, automation, and product development teams
• Create SOPs, work instructions, and technical documentation

Skills

Troubleshooting

Laser process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

DOE

Six Sigma

SPC

PFMEA

IQ/OQ/PQ

Process validation

Job description

Laser Process Engineer

Location: Minneapolis, MN Area | 12+ months Contract

We're seeking a Laser Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and support laser-based manufacturing processes for next-generation fiber optic products supporting AI data center growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize laser processes including laser ablation, cutting, welding, and precision material processing
• Troubleshoot laser, optical, and motion-control systems
• Perform DOE, process characterization, validation, and yield improvement activities
• Support equipment qualification, process scale-up, and production readiness
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, automation, and product development teams
• Create SOPs, work instructions, and technical documentation

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or related field
• Experience with Fiber, Nd:YAG, 1064nm, CO2, Picosecond, Femtosecond, or Ultrafast lasers
• Background in laser process development, manufacturing, or photonics
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience with DOE, Six Sigma, SPC, PFMEA, IQ/OQ/PQ, or process validation
• Experience in medical device, semiconductor, photonics, or advanced manufacturing environments preferred