LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Laser Development Engineer - Boulder, CO

As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we work to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe.

About the Role

Participate in the research and development of experimental, laser-based, spaceflight instrumentation enabling scientific investigations across the Solar System. Contribute to the design, development, and hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and test of instrumentation systems from concept to flight instrument delivery. Support the division in cutting-edge research involving pulsed lasers, mass spectrometry, and high-speed data acquisition systems. Provide expert engineering for selection, operation, and maintenance of laser systems, including laser safety for all wavelengths, lab safety, HV safety, chemical safety, and vacuum safety.

Responsibilities

• Work with scientific personnel to design, build, and test laser-based instrumentation, including operating, maintaining, and aligning high-power lasers such as diode fiber lasers, YAG lasers, OPO lasers, TiS lasers, fs-lasers, and optical/laser design.
• Perform hands-on work with ultra-high vacuum systems, pressurized gases, cryogens, and high-voltage systems.
• Lead the design, fabrication, and performance validation of various optomechanical systems and interface with external vendors to procure instrumentation hardware, system sub-components, and laboratory test equipment.
• Conduct experimental data collection in an optical laboratory environment.
• Maintain systems, including working with flash lamps, minor electronics repair, cooling system maintenance and repair, and setting up laser control through timing boxes and LabVIEW.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Quantum Engineering, or other related engineering degree with a focus on lasers. Advanced degrees may substitute for some years of related industry work experience.
• 8+ years of optics modeling and development for laser systems, including experience with optical design software (ZEMAX or similar).
• 7+ years of laser operation and engineering for one or more of the following: diode lasers, external cavity lasers, laser optical systems and components, laser spectrometers, laser diffraction, and vis/NIR detectors.
• 3+ years of designing laser systems to requirements, verification planning, and execution.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado.

Pay

$117,894.00 - $220,126.00