A laser engineer is a scientist or engineer with extensive experience in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of high-energy manufacturing or research lasers. The engineer’s qualifications will most likely be determined the area in which he or she works. Those working in R&D will most likely be designing new laser technology, improving existing technology, and creating new products. Manufacturing workers will be more hands-on, building products and parts and developing solid-state laser-based processes.
Employer-specific educational requirements vary, but most laser engineers have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as physics, engineering, laser technology, or optics. Depending on the position, some laser engineers have a master’s degree or even a PhD. The majority of laser engineers have worked on laser product development, laser applied research, or modeling solid state lasers in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
One of a laser engineer’s primary responsibilities is to solve problems related to the use of laser equipment. This job entails diagnosing technical issues and using test equipment to repair lasers. Because he communicates with operators and vendors on a regular basis, a laser engineer working in manufacturing will most likely have good interpersonal skills. In a research setting, a laser engineer is more likely to concentrate on the conceptual and creative aspects of laser technology, so collaboration and teamwork are more important.
Working with specialized computers to program basic functions for laser equipment, enter data, and create software to work with the laser equipment is one of the primary job duties of a laser engineer. A laser engineer must be familiar with Autocad®, materials resource planning, product data management, and other engineering-related software in addition to the standard business programs. Manufacturing laser engineers create or review technical drawings and collaborate with manufacturing personnel to determine the exact steps and types of lasers required in various manufacturing processes. In addition, a research laser engineer must create and review detailed technical drawings for use in the design and manufacture of laser technology and equipment.