The laser industry is growing, and so are the career opportunities for young talent. This was one of the key messages shared during the Discover Your Career in Photonics session, which this time focused on careers in lasers.
Presentations from HiLASE, SMART Photonics and Optoprim Germany showed a clear hiring trend: companies are not only looking for traditional laser physicists. They are looking for people who can connect photonics knowledge with hands-on skills, software, automation, industrial applications and customer needs.
Olga Lakoma, HR Team Leader at HiLASE, explained that photonics careers are strongly connected to real-world impact. The centre develops high-power laser technologies for industry, medicine, semiconductors, defence and space. Its career paths include roles such as Laser Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Laser Applications Specialist, Space Systems Researcher and Laser Specialist for Defence. The company also highlighted the importance of automation, programming, data analysis, hands-on laboratory skills, English communication and project thinking.
Rita Vieira, Corporate Recruiter at SMART Photonics brought another important message: integrated photonics is becoming a strategic technology, and companies need new talent now. The company pointed to the growing demand for engineers and researchers, supported by European investment in strategic technologies. For young candidates, SMART Photonics stressed the value of internships, motivation, extracurricular activities, a good CV and motivation letter, as well as skills related to photonics, lasers, processing, research and cleanroom work.
Christian Schröter, Managing Director at Optoprim Germany, part of the ATLENSYS Group, added the industrial and customer-facing perspective. The group works across laser and photonics solutions for industry, healthcare and science, with applications including cutting, welding, marking, additive manufacturing, micromachining, process monitoring, laser safety, system integration and optical design. Their open position for a Sales Engineer in Industrial Photonics & Laser Solutions showed that the laser industry also needs people who can combine technical understanding with market knowledge, B2B sales and customer development.
For students and young professionals, this means that there are many possible entry points into photonics. A career in lasers can start from physics, engineering, software, materials science, automation or technical business development.
The key message is simple: you do not need to fit one narrow profile to start a career in lasers. What matters is curiosity, practical skills, motivation and the ability to connect technology with real-world applications.
