Laser Modeling Physicist

We are seeking a Laser Modeling Physicist within our Laser Science and Systems Engineering Program to participate in the research development and modeling of advanced solid state laser technology and high energy laser design for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate home to the worlds most energetic laser.  It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022 a historic moment in science opening up new physics regimes and setting the stage for new Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) possibilities.

You will perform design modeling and commissioning of cutting-edge laser technology development and potentially execute experiments to verify and validate advanced laser concepts relevant to ICF laser driver architectures laser propagation/amplification linear and nonlinear optics and laser matter interaction research. This position is in the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD).

In this role you will

• Contribute to the development of advanced laser physics and nonlinear optics models coupled with the existing LLNL beam propagation code VBL (Virtual Beam Line) running on both single and extreme parallel-processor high performance computers with the goal to optimize designs for NIF & Next Generation of High Energy Density (NG-HED) facilities and ICF-IFE architectures.
• Collaborate with the Computer Science team and provide solutions to experiments that will validate the physics captured in the thermo-mechanical codes used to predict the impact of thermal and mechanical effects on beam quality (wavefront and polarization) at the component level and at the system level when coupled with VBL.
• Work within a dynamic team environment to document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Utilize independent judgement along with scientific methods and techniques contributing to the fulfillment of research and development in one or more of the following areas:  Modeling and experimental testing  of optical parametric short pulse amplifiers chirped pulse amplification solid state laser materials science high-speed electro-optics devices atmospheric beam propagation frequency conversion and non-linear optics and design of advanced laser architectures for NG-HED in support of National Security missions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level

• Utilize in-depth analysis contributing to the development of experimental campaigns to enhance NIF performance.
• Conduct technical tasks for advanced laser models using innovative methods and subject knowledge. Work includes expansion beyond the state of the VBL art (e.g. related to nonlinear stimulated processes or nonlinear optics interaction in non-paraxial regime).

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Optical Sciences Physics Engineering or Mathematics or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge in experimental physics in one or more of the following areas: solid state lasers laser cavities short pulse laser technology frequency conversion non-linear optics crystal optics atmospheric beam propagation thermo-mechanical finite-element calculations interfaced with optical performance.
• Comprehensive problem solving decision making and analytical skills necessary to anticipate analyze advise recommend and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions to moderately complex to complex issues or laser designs.
• Broad experience with MATLAB Python and/or similar scripting and data analysis tools and the ability to write beam propagation nonlinear optics or amplification codes.
• Broad experience and comprehensive knowledge in signal and image processing of laser diagnostics signals.
• Broad experience with scientific research and development.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in short-pulse laser physics and nonlinear optics as applied to laser applications and operations.
• Advanced problem solving troubleshooting decision making and analytical skills necessary to anticipate analyze advise recommend and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions to complex issues.
• Advanced experience with scientific research and development.
• Ability to augment laser physics nonlinear optics modeling to increase VBL modeling capabilities.

Qualifications we desire

• Knowledge of laser architectures technological limitations and machine safety aspects of large distributed high energy and high peak power laser facilities.
• Experience in planning and directing work with technical objectives estimating effort and setting milestones.
• Experience in the development of scientific software (ideally C) applied to laser physics and nonlinear optics problems.

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 2025 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  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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time