How to hire a laser systems engineer

How to hire a laser systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step laser systems engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a laser systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new laser systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The laser systems engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A laser systems engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, laser systems engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of laser systems engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Laser Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Laser Systems Engineer	Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.	$33-66
   Manufacturing Engineering Internship	A manufacturing engineering intern is responsible for assisting the manufacturing engineers on the plant's daily operations, analyzing the manufacturing process and procedures, and recommending strategic solutions to maximize productivity and minimize costs. Manufacturing engineering interns shadow the production staff, inspect the tools and equipment of the manufacturing, analyze the quality control documentation, and perform related administrative tasks to familiarize themselves with the plant structure... Show more	$19-32
   Industrial Engineering Internship	An industrial engineer intern is a student working in a company to do industrial engineering tasks. Industrial engineering interns assist industrial engineers... Show more	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • LabVIEW
   • Engineering Support
   • MATLAB
   • BOM
   • UV

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team in delivering uniquely complex high -energy laser hardware for integration onto the ABL airframe.
   • Accomplish responsibility to configure, administer and support new infrastructure solutions on Microsoft platforms to meet enterprise level requirements.
   • Programme user software (LabView + Matlab).
   • Provide training on CO2 cutting and YAG laser marking systems to customers onsite and in the field.
   • Recognize as subject matter expert on the heat dissipation and other mechanical engineering aspects of emerging technologies and infrastructure equipment.
   • Managed/Negotiat science payload mechanical/electrical interfaces.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your laser systems engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A laser systems engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, laser systems engineers' average salary in iowa is 45% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level laser systems engineers earn 49% less than senior-level laser systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A laser systems engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a laser systems engineer's salary.

   Average laser systems engineer salary

   $99,191yearly

   $47.69 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level laser systems engineer salary

   $70,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

4. Writing a laser systems engineer job description

   A job description for a laser systems engineer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a laser systems engineer job description:

   Laser systems engineer job description example

   In a nutshell
   
   Location
   
   San Diego - CA, US
   
   Team
   
   Research & development
   
   Experience
   
   3-7 years
   
   Degree
   
   PhD
   
   Job Category
   
   Optical engineering, Physics
   
   Travel
   
   10%
   
   
   Introduction to the job
   
   ASML is one of the world's leading manufacturers of lithography systems that help enable Moore's Law and the creation of increasingly powerful and capable electronic devices. Our San Diego-based light source division, Cymer, is renowned for developing both deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography light sources and next generation extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light sources.We are a multinational company with over 70 locations in 16 countries, headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
   
   As the world's leading semiconductor lithography machine (the machine that makes computer chips) manufacturer, ASML enables chip manufacturers to make cheaper, faster, chips, thereby enabling all the technology you use today. The machines we make require high speed, magnetically levitated stages with sub-nanometer accuracy, robotic mask delivery systems, mechatronic devices to shape and correct the laser illumination source, and optical modules that can detect sub-nanometer alignment errors and pattern distortions. Temperature controlled to milli-kelvins, particulate free, and operating in complete vacuum, the technical challenges are endless. Solving these requires expertise in servo controls, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, embedded software engineering, optics, physics, manufacturing, industrialization, and more. If you like extreme challenges and want to help bring the next generation of technology to the world, then come join ASML.
   
   If you have a passion for technology and innovation you'll want to check us out. Be a part of ASML. Be a part of progress.
   
   One Company, One Goal, Limitless Innovation. It's our people that make the difference.
   
   "This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with applicants who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology."
   
   Role and responsibilities
   
   The Staff Systems Engineer (Laser) is the technical owner for the architecture of Cymer DUV laser products: responsible for assessing, developing, validating and reviewing the system-level architecture to enable first-time customer functionality. The Systems Engineer works in a cross-functional team with Program/Project Managers, Technical Marketing, and Module Engineers to develop and productize new technologies and laser systems.
   
   Duties and Responsibilities
   
   * Drives technology development and advancement.
   * Performs technology assessments and trade studies.
   * System design reviews and system integration.
   * Conduct risk assessments and analysis.
   * Assumes engineering responsibility for system design from concept design through manufacturing transfer and ramp.
   * Generates system requirements to meet customer product requirements.
   * Validates concepts through breadboard builds and analysis.
   * Manages a project plan including key deliverables, timeline, and budget.
   * Works with Engineers of various disciplines for prototype and pilot designs.
   * Drives full documentation of designs and documentation.
   * Designs and supports the execution of system verification testing.
   * Manages development activities using the Cymer Product Development Process including concept reviews, design reviews, proto builds, pilot builds, verification testing, etc., with records and completion of all open action items.
   * Analyzes problems in existing systems, plan and conduct investigations, and develop solution proposals.
   * Coordinates all phases in the development, from inception through to product release.
   * Develops test plans, creates test procedures, performs tests and data reduction and evaluates test data.Modifies designs based upon test results.
   * Interfaces with manufacturing engineering to develop and implement designs that improve manufacturability.
   * Interfaces with manufacturing personnel to coordinate the build of modified or new prototype assemblies.
   * Performs other duties as assigned.
   
   Education and experience
   
   * Requires a Master's Degree (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Optics or related field) + 6 years experience. PhD. is a plus.
   * Minimum 4-6 years of relevant, work related experience
   * Extensive experimental experience and skills in laboratory environment is required.
   * Has led a successfully completed project.
   * Extensive experience with MATLAB or the numpy / scipy analysis suites.
   * Demonstrated ability to acquire and analyze data from a variety of sources, and use this data to drive risk analysis and design changes.
   * Demonstrated ability to perform test and/or validation design.
   * Experience with excimer lasers is desired.
   * Practical experience with laser systems, either in manufacturing or laboratory environments is highly desirable.
   
   Skills
   
   Working at the cutting edge of tech, you'll always have new challenges and new problems to solve - and working together is the only way to do that. You won't work in a silo. Instead, you'll be part of a creative, dynamic work environment where you'll collaborate with supportive colleagues. There is always space for creative and unique points of view. You'll have the flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems.
   
   To thrive in this job, you'll need the following skills:
   
   * Self-motivated, with an ability to work in a fast-moving, high-tech environment.
   * Demonstrated ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams, and provide technical leadership.
   * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate technical results and report problems through written and/or graphical formats.
   * Excellent customer service skills, with an advanced understanding of customer relationship building.
   
   PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
   
   * The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   * While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch.
   * The employee is occasionally required to move around the campus.
   * The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
   * May require travel dependent on business needs.
   * Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
   * Can work under deadlines.
   * The environment generally is moderate in temperature and noise level.
   * Must be able to read and interpret data, information, and documents.
   * Can observe and respond to people and situations and interact with others encountered in the course of work.
   * Can learn and apply new information or skills.
   * Responsibilities include periodic travel to regional and overseas sites for product technical support and special support projects.
   * Work may include onsite technical support involving heavy lifting of equipment & modules.
   * Position will require technical work activity in a clean-room production environment and/or laboratory setting.
   * The environment generally is moderate in temperature and noise level.
   * Occasionally may be exposed to loud noise bursts and may be exposed to toxic gases (fluorine).
   * Must be able to work in small, confined spaces.
   
   Diversity & Inclusion
   
   ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.
   
   Other information
   
   * We offer competitive salaries and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(K), and FSAs.
   * We are committed to leveraging the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our workforce to create opportunities for our people and the business.
   * Occasional travel, both domestic and international, required (<1/qtr)
   
   #LI-MO1
   
   EOE AA M/F/Veteran/Disability
   
   Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions.
   
   Learn more about this job
   
   About the job category
   
   * Optical engineering
   * Physics
   
   About the team
   
   * Research & development
   
   About the location
   
   * San Diego
   * United States
   
   About ASML
   
   * ASML at a glance
   * Working at ASML

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5. Post your job

   To find the right laser systems engineer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with laser systems engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit laser systems engineers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your laser systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit laser systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting laser systems engineers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new laser systems engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the laser systems engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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