Laser & Photonics Scientist

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Laser & Photonics Scientist to advance high-power laser technologies for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The role involves hands-on work with laser components, data acquisition, and collaborative research across physics and engineering teams to implement new capabilities and improve system performance.

You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and publish results while coordinating resources and equipment procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering; Master’s/PhD preferred.
• Experience performing experiments with optics and lasers.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on work with laser and electro-optical components including alignment and calibration.
• Design, plan and execute laboratory experiments with accurate data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and technicians to publish results and present at conferences.
• Specify and procure specialized lab equipment to support experiments.
• Maintain thorough system documentation and data archiving.

Skills

Optics experiments

Lasers and laser science

Data analysis

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Ray tracing software

Data acquisition systems

Control systems

Job description

Job DescriptionThe Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Directorate (LMF), formerly the NIF & Photon Science Directorate, is seeking a Laser & Photonics Scientist to support the design, prototyping, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies for high-power and high-energy laser systems, including the National Ignition Facility (NIF).

In this critical role, you will provide hands-on scientific support to improve laser technology and implement new capabilities that increase NIF’s power, energy, and precision.

You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians as a key member of the Laser Science and Technology (LST) organization, helping advance the capabilities of this flagship experimental facility of the National Nuclear Security Administration within the U.S. Department of Energy.

This position is within the Laser Science and Technology organization in the Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Principal Associate Directorate.

In this role you willWork 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.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• 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.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• 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

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Physics or Engineering.
• Experience in engineering or physics laboratories, including data acquisition, laser diagnostics, and control system development/utilization.
• Experience in planning and directing work with technical objectives, estimating effort, and setting milestones.
• Experience in the use of scientific software to model laser physics performance.
• Experience with high-power laser diodes.

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 levelThis 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 InformationPosition InformationThis 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!Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security ClearanceThis position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. 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. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug TestExternal applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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