Laser & Photonics Scientist

About the role

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. This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Responsibilities

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility, applying comprehensive knowledge and independent judgment to determine methods, recommend improvements within established frameworks, and support project and organizational goals.
• Perform moderately complex to complex hands-on work with laser and electro-optical components, including alignment, evaluation, calibration, troubleshooting, data analysis, data archiving, and system documentation.
• Utilize computer-based data acquisition and control systems to efficiently collect and analyze experimental data, supporting accurate results and informed technical decisions.
• Participate in the design, planning, and execution of laboratory experiments, ensuring efficient procedures, accurate data collection, and reliable results.
• Utilize technical software to analyze and visualize data, perform ray tracing and tolerance analyses, and simulate physical phenomena.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to coordinate resources, plan experiments, document research, develop deliverables, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present results at scientific conferences.
• Specify and procure specialized laboratory equipment and supplies to support experimental requirements and ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Function independently with minimal direction, applying advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize multiple tasks, allocate resources, and develop innovative methods and technologies.
• Conduct and collaborate on technical efforts, including responsibility for budgets, schedules, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Define and prioritize tasks to ensure that programmatic objectives are achieved efficiently and on schedule.
• Contribute to the development of new and advanced program opportunities, including research proposals and interactions with potential sponsors and customers, with minimal direction.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience performing experiments with optics, lasers, and laser science.
• Experience planning and coordinating experiments, including defining objectives, developing test plans, coordinating resources, and ensuring efficient execution.