Laser Development Engineer | Bullen

Today
Job Title: Laser Development Engineer
Dapartment: R&D
Reports To: R&D Manager
Date:  October 3rd, 2025
Classification: Exempt
Remote Status: Hybrid
About the Role:

Bullen is a global leader in machining hard and brittle materials, known for pushing beyond the limits of traditional manufacturing. We’ve earned that position by developing innovative solutions that turn our customers’ most complex designs into reality.
One of our most exciting frontiers is precision laser machining; an area where we’re breaking new ground and setting industry standards. As a Senior Laser Development Engineer, you will be at the center of this innovation. You’ll lead efforts to explore and develop novel laser technologies, working across disciplines to advance new processes and refine existing ones.
In this role, you’ll collaborate with experts, vendors, and research partners, all while managing projects that balance creativity with technical excellence. Your work will directly shape the future of laser micro-machining.
This position offers a hybrid remote option with up to 25% travel, primarily to our Eaton, OH headquarters, as well as to vendors, conferences, and other project-related sites.
 
 
Valued Duties and Contributions:
As the Laser Design Engineer, you’ll apply your expertise to lead innovation and drive progress in laser micro-machining. You come ready to:
  • Lead R&D projects that pioneer new laser technologies, ensuring Bullen stays at the forefront of cost, quality, and delivery.
  • Guide, mentor, and communicate effectively with engineers and technicians to align teams with project goals.
  • Develop clear project timelines, budgets, and milestones; keeping initiatives on track.
  • Design and conduct feasibility studies, experiments, and proof-of-concept tests to accelerate innovation.
  • Build and refine hardware and software systems for advanced laser experiments.
  • Perform optical alignments and laser tests when needed, applying your hands-on expertise.
  • Collaborate with vendors, research institutes, and labs to quickly test and validate new ideas.
  • Stay ahead of industry developments by engaging in conferences, publications, professional societies, and knowledge-sharing.
  • Apply design of experiments (DOE) to optimize technology recipes and operating parameters.
  • Evaluate and compare emerging technologies against competitive alternatives.
  • Partner with outside researchers and specialists to solve the toughest challenges in laser-material interactions, optics, and metrology.
  • Share project updates and communicate complex concepts in clear, accessible terms.
  • Recommend equipment, systems, and processes based on careful analysis and feasibility studies.
  • Compile data, prepare reports, and present results to leadership and project stakeholders.
  • Anticipate risks, adjust schedules, and ensure project success through proactive problem-solving.
  • Tackle special projects and additional responsibilities with professionalism and adaptability.
 
 
Delegation of Authorities:
 
  • Personnel Authority.  This position has no delegated personnel authority.
  • Financial Authority.   This position has delegated financial authority.
 
Working Relationships:
 
Must work effectively with organizational personnel with various degrees of education, work experience, responsibility and understanding of technical terms.
 
Working Conditions:
 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to work in high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and; vibration. The noise level in the environment is moderate.
 
Qualifications:  
 
With your proven track record in laser and optics engineering, blending hands-on skills with strategic vision, your experience positions you to make an immediate impact and help shape the future of precision machining at Bullen. Key qualifications and strengths include:
 
  • 10+ years of experience in laser/optics engineering (exceptional candidates with less will be considered).
  • An advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in optics, opto-electronics, engineering physics, chemistry and materials.
  • Strong aptitude for designing, building, and debugging experimental test apparatus in a laser lab.
  • Experience using literature research as a means to testing and solving technical challenges.
  • Experience guiding and coaching teams in the design and build of production laser systems.
  • Hands-on skills in optical alignment and laser operation.
  • Familiarity with lab laser safety standards, optics design, and vendor collaboration (a plus).
  • A proven track record of leading technical projects from concept to completion.
  • Exceptional ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex technical information; both in writing and through presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Advanced problem-solving skills, applying mathematics, statistics, and scientific reasoning to real-world challenges.
  • Proficiency with software tools such as SPC, databases, manufacturing systems, and standard office applications.
  • A commitment to integrity, professionalism, and safeguarding intellectual property.
 
Physical Requirements:

This role requires regular verbal communication and hearing, with frequent standing and walking. At times, you may need to sit, reach, or perform light physical activities such as bending or balancing. The position involves regularly lifting up to 10 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception, with the ability to adjust focus.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Success Indicators
  • Drive innovation by developing competitive advantages in laser technologies.
  • Effectively evaluate new opportunities through feasibility studies, testing, and proof-of-concept work.
  • Deliver projects on time and within scope while managing priorities effectively.
  • Demonstrate professionalism and uphold Bullen’s core values of Excellence, Humility, Integrity, and Teamwork.
  • Foster strong collaboration, team spirit, and job satisfaction within the department.
  • Ensure high-quality, timely results on assigned projects and special initiatives.

Pay Range: $190,000 - $205,000 per year