Gas Laser Engineer

CT19; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CT19 in Oak Ridge, TN, is seeking a hands-on Laser Technician/Engineer to support the development of next-generation infrared gas laser systems for isotope separation. This lab-based role emphasizes building, testing, and optimizing precision optical setups in a practical environment.

You will assemble, align, and calibrate infrared laser systems, perform diagnostics, support experimental campaigns, and ensure laser safety; you will collaborate with engineering, R&D, and operations teams on

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, or precision laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of laser physics and alignment techniques.
• Experience in a lab or experimental environment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, align, and calibrate infrared laser systems used in enrichment processes.
• Conduct testing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting across laser subsystems.
• Assist with experimental setups and system development for laser programs.
• Perform optical metrology and performance analysis of systems.
• Serve as Laser Safety Officer and ensure strict safety protocol adherence.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, and operations teams on mission-critical work.

Skills

Laser systems

Optics

Optical diagnostics

Alignment techniques

Mechanical troubleshooting

Education

Physics

Optical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical metrology equipment

Diagnostic instruments

Job description

An advanced engineering programme at the forefront of laser uranium enrichment technology is seeking a hands‑on Laser Technician / Engineer to support the development of next‑generation infrared gas laser systems.

This is a highly practical, lab‑based role working on precision optical and laser systems used in isotope separation, where you’ll play a key role in building, testing, and optimising critical enrichment technology.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting the assembly, alignment, and calibration of infrared laser systems used in enrichment processes
• Conducting testing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting across laser and optical subsystems
• Assisting with experimental setups and system development programmes
• Performing optical metrology and performance analysis
• Acting as Laser Safety Officer, ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols
• Collaborating with engineering, R&D, and operations teams on mission‑critical work

What we’re looking for:

• Hands‑on experience with lasers, optics, or precision laboratory equipment
• Understanding of laser physics, alignment techniques, and optical diagnostics
• Strong practical mindset with mechanical and problem‑solving ability
• Background in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar
• Experience in a lab or experimental environment (industry or academia)
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance

Why this role?

• Work on highly sensitive, cutting‑edge nuclear technology
• Be part of a specialist team advancing laser‑based enrichment capabilities
• Gain exposure to complex optical systems in a nuclear environment
• Contribute to a programme with significant national and technological impact