Senior Scientist
Job Summary
LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Senior Scientist to join its team with experience in research, design and problem solving in a collaborative environment. The successful candidate will report to the most senior engineers at LIGO Lab.
Essential Job Duties
Perform optical design and analysis.
Conducting research on optical designs and optical coatings.
Direct and assist with testing, analysis, and oversight of precision optical metrology instruments to test hypotheses and gather data.
Support the operation and maintenance of world-class, precision optical characterization and metrology facilities.
Develop optical specifications, policies, and procedures.
Provide technical expert support for multi-million-dollar contracts with optics and coating fabricators providing cutting edge technology that enables LIGO’s extreme sensitivity.
Provide ongoing modifications and solution alternatives to meet current and future research and observatory requirements.
Conceptualize the design and direct the development of enhanced measurement techniques and improved optics.
Diagnose and design solutions and modifications in response to optic, optical equipment or component malfunctions and failures.
Support the current lead with overseeing the Caltech Optical Sciences Group, including technical, budget, resource, and task management.
Provide technical guidance as well as technical oversight to matrixed engineering and science staff working on optics, opto-electronics, and interferometry.
Communicate (written and verbal) technical progress and budget/resource status on various projects, internally within the organization and externally to parties outside the organization.
Over time, take on people-management responsibilities and coach junior staff, encourage professional development, conduct annual reviews and nurture the team.
Basic Qualifications
BS in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering.
A minimum of 10 years of experience with high precision optics.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in mentoring junior scientists and/or students.
Comprehensive knowledge of optical design, analysis, and testing for interferometry.
Experience directly using scientific observation and analysis, creative thinking, and method development to solve problems related to optics and optical systems.
Significant experience with precision optical metrology.
Significant experience with technical specifications and support for contracting optical fabrication.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters or a PhD. in a related field.
Significant experience in technical supervision of a group of 5 or more staff.
Experience in project management including use of MS Project for project management and planning.
History of working in and with International Collaborations with Optical scientists and other professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers, physicists, and research scientists, to invent original concepts for optical products and improve existing devices.
Required Documents
Resume.
Cover Letter.
Hiring Range
$134,000 - $165,000 per year
Benefits
Competitive compensation.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Roth and Traditional 401(k) retirement savings plans.
Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.).
Tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.