Laser Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering, operations, and maintenance within the world's most advanced laser facility. In this critical role, you will be responsible for running and maintaining the advanced laser systems and support hardware for the world's largest laser with 192 beams, ensuring that all laser work is seamlessly planned, coordinated, and executed to support experiments in High Energy Density Physics, Laser Fusion and Ignition, and National Security. You will also lead projects aimed at improving laser technology and implementing new capabilities to further increase NIF's power, energy, and precision, partnering with scientists, engineers, and technicians across NIF sections to define clear objectives, deliverables, and interfaces. As a key member of the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division in the Engineering Directorate, you will help drive the continued success of this flagship experimental facility of the National Nuclear Security Administration within the Department of Energy.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
In this role, You will

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Work in small teams or individually to operate, maintain, improve, and support development of complex laser systems, including the regen and multi-pass preamplifiers, laser diagnostics, wavefront control systems, alignment and precision pulse timing.
• Perform complex hands-on work activities on electro-optical components using techniques and methods to ensure optimal performance which will include alignment, evaluation, calibration (offline and online), troubleshooting complex technical issues, data analysis (using computer-based data acquisition and controls), data archiving and system documentation.
• Create bench tests to validate spare components including optical amplifiers, Pockels cells, polarization components, mirrors, lenses, laser assemblies and components while performing quality assurance on new hardware, troubleshooting and repairing damaged components.
• Participate in planning of all work activities both within your work teams as well as with the broader NIF facility.
• Use technical software to analyze and plot data, perform raytracing and tolerance analysis, or simulate and visualize physical phenomenon.
• Generate and maintain system documentation relating to configuration management including operations & test procedures; interpret & document performance and test results; identify and propose solutions.
• Interface with immediate supervisors, project leads, scientists, engineers, and technicians in the group to complete various projects.
• Work independently, under minimal direction, making technical judgements for situations that may not be well defined while selecting appropriate methods and techniques.
• Conduct laser performance analysis at a system level and present data to a peer review team with recommendations for enhancements.
• Provide occasional on-call, technical support as needed for the NIF 24/7 operations schedule while ensuring safety and security.
• Perform other technical engineering tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Laser and Electro-Optics, Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related technical field or an equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with complex systems engineering relating to laser and electro-optical systems and experience using computer control and data acquisition systems.
• Advanced experience performing experiments and supporting full life cycle engineering needs for lasers, electro-optics, or mechanical technology in support of high energy laser systems, including theory, design, and application.
• Advanced experience working with various complex optical and electro-optical systems including telescopes, polarization, imaging, alignment, diagnostic measurements of both CW and pulsed lasers.
• Advanced experience effectively managing multiple tasks, projects, priorities and associated budgets & schedules.
• Advanced experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; writing test plans, documenting test results, and generating reports.
• Possess the decision making and analytical skills necessary to work under limited direction and anticipate, analyze, and provide solutions to complex technical problems, while adhering to well-defined practices and procedures.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's or PhD., in Laser and Electro-optics or related technical field.
• Experience in large scale laser operations and full cycle engineering settings, including laser performance characterization, optical, optomechanical, and electro-optical design.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary team leadership including workforce and project planning involving innovative laser operations processes.
• Advanced knowledge of high peak power/high energy laser systems, regenerative amplifier design, polarization switching and control, multi-pass amplifier design, and/or flashlamp and diode pumping for solid state lasers.

Pay Range
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
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