Principal Laser Engineer

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Principal Laser Engineer in Lake Forest, CA
, you will be trusted to advance the development of highly innovative ophthalmic medical devices through research, development, and upscaling. In this role, you will also mentor peers, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure adherence to regulatory and quality standards. This role is part of Alcon's Research & Development function, a team that innovates boldly and delivers new products and services to help revolutionize the eye care industry, advance optimal patient outcomes and help people see brilliantly.

This role requires deep expertise in laser systems engineering, integration, and testing, with a focus on innovation, compliance, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This role is ideal for a self‑starter with a passion for innovation and continuous learning, who thrives in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment and is committed to advancing eye care technology.

Key job responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of complex laser systems, applying broad and deep expertise across solidstate, fiber based, and semiconductor laser architectures, with a strong emphasis on manufacturability and long‑term reliability.
• Drive innovation in ultrafast laser and nonlinear optical system design.
• Develop and model laser systems, including cavity configurations, stability assessments, and dynamic behavior.
• Facilitate cross‑functional design and trade‑off reviews, collaborating with teams across engineering disciplines.
• Contribute to strategy development and proactively identify technical, schedule, and commercial risks.
• Construct and track progress against detailed development plans.
• Apply phasedgate development and design‑control methodologies.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert for lasers, semiconductors, and optoelectronics, mentoring peers and providing technical guidance.
• Support intellectual property matters.
• Stay current on market and technology trends in lasers and photonics, integrating relevant advancements and research insights into product development strategies.
• Incorporate understanding of laser‑tissue interaction into design considerations.
• Contribute to the development of fiber‑optic‑based energy delivery components.
• Ensure rigorous quality control and documentation, driving compliance with GxP regulations, standard operating procedures, and internal quality standards.

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Education in optics, applied physics, physics, or electrical engineering.
• Experience in laser systems development.
• Proven experience in leading teams, developing complex laser systems, and managing product development life cycles.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Join Alcon's mission to provide top‑tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight & enhance lives.
• Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment.
• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more!
• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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