Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA, seeks a Laser Safety Officer to lead the laser safety program, ensure compliance with ANSI Z136 and Cal/OSHA, and support the EH&S mission.

You will provide training, risk assessments, and hazard mitigation, collaborate with Radiation Safety and other safety teams, and help implement continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of lab or research safety experience with laser systems.
• Strong knowledge of ANSI Z136, Cal/OSHA/OSHA laser safety regulations.
• Excellent communication and training skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead laser safety program in accordance with ANSI Z136 and Cal/OSHA.
• Develop SOPs and training for laser use in labs and shops.
• Conduct hazard assessments and inspections of laser facilities.
• Maintain documentation of training, inspections, incidents, and actions.
• Collaborate with RSO and cross-functional safety teams.

Skills

Communication

Training

Problem solving

Hazard assessment

Education

MSc in physics

MSc in chemistry

MSc in engineering

Tools

Articulate 360

Job description

Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

Caltech

Job Summary

The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) leads the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the Institute's Laser Safety Program, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards (ANSI Z136 Series, Cal/OSHA, and institutional policies) while supporting the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) mission. Reporting to the Director of Research Safety, the LSO partners with the research community to provide laser safety training, consultations, risk assessments, and hazard mitigation guidance. The position requires a background in physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field, with practical laboratory experience. The LSO also supports the broader EH&S program, including the Laboratory Safety Program and may provide cross‑functional support for Radiation Safety and Electrical Safety programs. Through general laboratory safety inspections, incident investigations, and collaboration with assigned departments and safety committees, the LSO identifies hazards and implements measures to promote a safe and compliant research environment.

Job Duties

• Serve as the designated institutional Laser Safety Officer in accordance with ANSI Z136.1, managing all aspects of laser safety compliance and associated safety documentation.
• Stay current with evolving regulations, standards, and emerging technologies in laser and optical safety.
• Develop, implement, and maintain written programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training related to laser use in laboratories, machine shops, and instructional settings.
• Conduct hazard assessments and safety inspections of laser laboratories and other research facilities to identify hazardous conditions and recommend solutions to mitigate workplace hazards.
• Develop metrics to measure overall laser safety program performance and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance on new laser installations and modifications, and laboratory renovation design, ensuring appropriate engineering and administrative controls.
• Assist with incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of training, inspections, incidents, and corrective actions.
• Participate in rotating on‑call response duties and support real‑time incident mitigation efforts.
• Serve as a certified member of the campus HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) team, responding to laboratory spills, chemical releases, and other hazardous material incidents.
• Collaborate with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in evaluating research configurations where lasers interface with radiation‑producing devices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• MSc degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in laboratory or research safety, including specific experience with laser systems.
• In-depth knowledge of ANSI Z136 standards, Cal/OSHA or OSHA laser safety regulations, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations relating to laser use (21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11).
• Strong communication, training, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry or engineering.
• Working knowledge of electrical safety, especially as it relates to electrical work in research settings.
• Experience in an academic research environment.
• Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) credential through the Board of Laser Safety.
• Experience in emergency response or hazmat operations. HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Familiarity with radiation safety principles and California RHB regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B and 70E Standards.
• Working knowledge of Articulate 360 for online training development.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory, mechanical space, and fieldwork environments with potential exposure to laser, biological, chemical, and radiological hazards.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to EH&S protocols during field activities.
• Physical Demands
  • Must be able to stand and walk for moderate periods of time.
  • Lift and carry up to 30 lbs of tools and equipment.
• Occasional travel to off‑campus sites (within California and out of state).

Required Documents

• Resume.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.