Principal Laser Engineer — Lead Fast Pulse Fiber Lasers

MKS Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

401(k) with company match

12 paid holidays

Paid vacation days

Parental leave

Job summary

Spectra-Physics, the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments, seeks a Principal Laser Engineer to design and prototype advanced laser systems. You will lead optical design for fiber-based and free-space lasers, build prototypes, run tests, and document performance while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to move concepts toward production.

You will contribute to nonlinear optics knowledge, beam propagation analysis, and high-precision alignment, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• MS degree in engineering or physics, or a PhD with relevant experience.
• 5+ years industry experience or 2+ years with a PhD.
• Hands-on experience with fiber preparation and splicing.
• Experience with free-space beam alignment.
• Knowledge of nonlinear optical processes (SHG, SPM, SBS, Raman).
• Familiar with SNLO, MATLAB or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Design and test optical systems for fiber-based and free-space lasers.
• Define test strategies, build, test and document prototypes and design documentation including optical diagrams and component specs.
• Collaborate with optical component vendors for procurement and evaluation.
• Work with cross-functional teams to transfer designs to production.
• Train technicians on new measurement techniques and procedures.

Skills

Fiber optics

Optical design

Free-space laser alignment

Gaussian beam propagation

Python

Optical measurement

Education

MS degree in Engineering/Physics/Materials Science/Chemistry or related field; PhD with 2+ years experience

Tools

ZEMAX

FRED

MATLAB

SNLO

Python

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Spectra-Physics, the Lasers Business Unit of MKS Instruments, seeks a Principal Laser Engineer to design and prototype advanced laser systems. You will lead optical design for fiber-based and free-space lasers, build prototypes, run tests, and document performance while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to move concepts toward production.

You will contribute to nonlinear optics knowledge, beam propagation analysis, and high-precision alignment, with opportunities to