Senior Laser Engineer

Pulse Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity participation

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Pulse Space Inc. is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to design, build, characterize, and optimize high‑power fiber laser systems from hundreds of watts to multi‑kilowatt outputs. You will work across optics, mechanics, electronics, and software teams to move concepts from prototype to production‑ready hardware.

You will lead alignment, splicing, and testing, while optimizing performance and reliability. This role combines hands‑on lab work with analytical modeling in a cutting‑edge photonics

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 5+ years 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 — SBS, SRS, TMI, and photodarkening — to maximize output power and reliability.
• 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.

Skills

Hands-on design

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Physics

M.S. in Photonics

M.S. in Optical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Zemax

FRED

Job description

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