Laser Engineer

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to support National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser engineering operations and maintenance within the worlds most advanced laser this critical role you will be responsible for running and maintaining the advanced laser systems and support hardware for the worlds 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 NIFs 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. 
• Bachelors 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

• Masters or 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

$175530 - $222564 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 employees 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  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