Laser & Photonics Scientist

LLNL; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Laser & Photonics Scientist to lead design, prototyping, and deployment of cutting-edge high-power laser systems, including work for the National Ignition Facility. You will perform hands-on support to advance laser technology and enhance power, energy, and precision.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team within the LST organization, contribute to experiments, analyze data with specialized software, and help document results

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Ability to secure and maintain U.S. DOE Q clearance.
• Experience with optics, lasers, and laser diagnostics.
• Proven ability to plan and coordinate experiments.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototyping, and deployment of high-power laser systems.
• Provide hands-on scientific support to improve laser technology.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Use software to analyze data and perform simulations.
• Document experiments and publish results.

Skills

Experiment planning

Laser science

Independent work

Communication skills

DOE clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering

Job description

• Job Code 2: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
• Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable
• Job Code 1: SES.2 Science & Engineering MTS 2
• Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
• Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable
• Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The 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 will

• 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.
• Utilizecomputer-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 experimentswith 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.
• 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 level

This 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 Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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 Test

External 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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