Laser scientist/engineer

KMLabs Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

KMLabs Inc. in Boulder, CO is seeking a Laser Scientist/Engineer to design, develop, and optimize ultrafast laser and short-wavelength light source systems on site. You will conduct experiments, test performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine product designs.

Responsibilities include alignment, integration, data analysis, and documenting procedures and results, with opportunities for publications, customer demonstrations, and field deployments as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong background in ultrafast laser physics and nonlinear optics.
• Experience with Ti:sapphire and other advanced laser systems.
• Hands-on skills in optical alignment, beam delivery, and diagnostics.
• Proficiency in data acquisition and analysis using LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB.
• Experience with vacuum systems, detectors, and control electronics is a plus.
• Degree in Physics or Optical/Electrical Engineering; postdoctoral experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize ultrafast laser and short-wavelength light source systems.
• Align and integrate optical, mechanical, and electronic components; perform testing.
• Analyze experimental data and troubleshoot system performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document procedures and results.
• Contribute to technical publications and customer demonstrations as needed.

Skills

Ultrafast laser physics

Nonlinear optics

Ti:sapphire lasers

Laser alignment

Beam delivery

Harmonic generation

Experimental design

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Physics or Optical Engineering

Electrical Engineering background

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Company Description

KMLabs Inc. develops advanced ultrafast laser systems and coherent short-wavelength light sources that bring synchrotron-level capabilities to laboratory optical tables. The company’s expertise spans ultrafast laser physics, nonlinear optics, harmonic generation, and high-performance laser systems covering infrared through VUV, EUV, and soft X-ray spectral regions. KMLabs’ technologies support applications such as photoelectron spectroscopy, ARPES, PEEM, photoionization, and studies of molecular and material dynamics, as well as emerging areas like precision spectroscopy of thorium-229. Their XUUS systems provide compact, lab-scale EUV and soft X-ray sources for spectroscopy, imaging, semiconductor research, metrology, and ultrafast and attosecond science. Founded in 1994 by Professors Margaret M. Murnane and Henry C. Kapteyn, KMLabs builds on a pioneering legacy in ultrafast Ti:sapphire laser development.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Laser Scientist/Engineer role based in Boulder, CO. The person in this role designs, develops, and optimizes ultrafast laser and short-wavelength light source systems, including alignment, integration, and performance testing of optical, mechanical, and electronic components. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, troubleshooting system performance, and implementing improvements in areas such as nonlinear optics and harmonic generation. The role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to support customer projects, refine product designs, and document procedures and experimental results. Additional activities may include contributing to technical publications, assisting in customer training and demonstrations, and supporting field deployments and service as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong background in ultrafast laser physics and nonlinear optics, including experience with Ti:sapphire and other advanced laser systems.
• Hands-on skills in optical system alignment, laser diagnostics, beam delivery, and harmonic generation in VUV, EUV, or soft X-ray spectral regions.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis using tools such as LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
• Ability to work with opto-mechanical and electro-optical hardware, including mounts, vacuum systems, detectors, and control electronics.
• Effective technical communication skills, including clear documentation, reporting of results, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field; relevant industry or postdoctoral experience is highly beneficial.
• Experience with applications such as spectroscopy, imaging, materials science, semiconductor metrology, or attosecond science is a plus.