Laser Engineer

About the role

We have an opening for a Laser Engineer to participate in the research and development of laser systems for isotope separation. These systems require a range of lasers - solid state and other - with important challenges in bandwidth, wavefront, timing, and alignment control.

You will team with members of LLNL's laser and separation teams to design, develop, and deploy lasers in support of a range of DOE and DOD missions, including Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) to support the DOE Isotope Program. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations Division (LSEO) within the Engineering directorate.

Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility, use comprehensive knowledge, and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.

Plan and execute laboratory experiments with a primary emphasis on scaling the average power, pulse energy, and transport and delivery of LIS laser and optical systems. Perform independent work on a team with LLNL scientists to design, build, and test diagnostic and control systems for lasers and sensors.

Collaborate and provide scientific and technical guidance in close coordination with an engineering team as required to construct a laser system that will support the production of useful quantities of enriched isotopes.

Work within a dynamic team, including senior and junior scientists and engineers, to coordinate resources, plan experimental campaigns, document research, may perform training/mentorship, provide deliverables, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results at scientific conferences. Specify and procure specialty laboratory equipment and supplies. Adhere to strict laboratory safety requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level 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.

Lead technical efforts with responsibility for budgets, schedules, deliverables, and resource allocation. Define and prioritize tasks to ensure that programmatic objectives are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Use technical knowledge to contribute to the development of new program opportunities, including the definition and development of research proposals and interaction with potential sponsors and customers under minimal direction.

Pay and benefits

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and prior relevant experience. Comprehensive knowledge and experience performing experiments with optics, lasers, and laser science. Experience planning experimental campaigns for scientific conferences.

Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Effective proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with a multi-disciplinary research team, author technical and scientific reports, publications, papers, and presentations.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management. Significant experience working independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and ability to lead advanced research and development activities.

Advanced experience performing experiments with optics, lasers, and laser science. Qualifications we desire Experience with laser sources, with emphasis on high average-power pulsed lasers. Experience in engineering or physics laboratories, including data acquisition and control system development/utilization.

Familiarity with state-of-the-art laser technologies such as solid-state fiber-based lasers Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level 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! 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.

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