Staff/Principal Laser Development Engineer

Staff/Principal Laser Development Engineer Sciton is a Silicon Valley-based pioneer in laser, light, and energy technologies for aesthetic and medical applications. Our engineers helped bring laser products to market just a few years after lasers were first invented, and that same spirit of innovation still drives us today.

We are built on a strong set of values: Selflessness, Candor, Innovation, Execution, Objectivity, Excellence, Learning, Ownership, and Clarity. With more than 500 employees worldwide, Sciton has been recognized as a USA TODAY Top Workplace for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2025. If you want to work on meaningful technology that directly improves patient outcomes and be part of a company that values curiosity, ownership, and excellence, we would love to meet you.

Position Overview

In this senior technical leadership role, you will apply deep domain expertise in both lamp-pumped and diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers to drive innovation from early-stage physical concepts through system integration and high-volume manufacturing. You will own the physics, optical cavity architecture, thermal management, and optical beam delivery design for high-power pulsed laser systems that power Sciton’s industry-leading clinical devices.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the concept, design, and experimental validation of novel flashlamp-pumped and diode-pumped solid-state laser resonators (e.g., Er:YAG and Nd:YAG). Perform detailed optical ray tracing, thermal lensing modeling, cavity stability analysis, and pump cavity efficiency optimization. Create and validate optical designs for beam delivery using fibers and articulated arms, handpieces with beam-shaping and imaging optics, laser photometry, and computer vision systems.

Build, align, and characterize breadboard and prototype laser systems and verify performance relative to product requirements. Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate lasers and optical systems into compact, ergonomically optimized medical systems. Engage with optical component suppliers, crystal growers, laser diode manufacturers, and flashlamp vendors to specify custom components, review tolerances, and establish critical supply chains.

Education

& Experience Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering (with optical emphasis), or a closely related discipline. 10+ years of direct industry experience designing, building, and commercializing high-power or high-energy pulsed solid-state lasers.

Qualifications

Deep mastery of laser resonator theory, thermal lens compensation, non-linear optics, optical system design, crystal kinematics, and laser-tissue interactions. Advanced proficiency in optical simulation tools (Zemax / FRED / LASCAD) and numerical modeling tools (Mathematica/ MATLAB / Python / COMSOL) or equivalents. Strong hands-on expertise with high-power laser diagnostics: beam profilers, beam quality (M2), optical spectrum analyzers, fast photodiodes, energy meters, and high-bandwidth oscilloscopes.

Proven track record of taking complex laser designs through concept phase to high-reliability production. Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $220k - $260k. In addition to a competitive, market-based salary, Sciton offers the opportunity to participate in equity/stock incentive programs, a profit-sharing bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401 (k) with matching.