Laser Scientist: Fusion Lab Front-End & Experiments

Focused Energy; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health benefits

Unlimited PTO

401k match

Job summary

Focused Energy is building a Focused Energy Lasers Austin (FELA) facility in Austin, TX. As a Laser Scientist, you will own hands-on execution of core laser experiments, including setting up the laser front end, two-dimensional SSD, frequency tripling, FM-AM, and amplifier characterization.

You will drive the day-to-day experimental schedule, ensure setups are ready, and comply with laser safety standards in a Class 3B/4 environment while documenting results and improving setups over time.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with fiber and free-space laser systems, nonlinear optics (frequency conversion, beam smoothing), laser beam characterization, and optical alignment and diagnostics.
• Comfortable working independently on bench-level setup, alignment, and troubleshooting, and know when to escalate a genuinely stuck problem.

Responsibilities

• Own the hands-on setup, alignment, and execution of assigned FELA laser experiments.
• Lead bench-level troubleshooting and day-to-day experimental scheduling.
• Ensure laser safety protocols and lab safety standards are followed in a Class 3B/4 laser environment.
• Maintain organized lab records covering equipment status and data.
• Collaborate with laser scientists on joint sessions to enable progress.
• Help scale the facility by building repeatable setups for others.

Skills

Fiber and free-space laser systems

Nonlinear optics

Laser beam characterization

Optical alignment and diagnostics

Bench-level setup and troubleshooting

Tools

Miro

Zemax

Inventor

Job description

Focused Energy is building a Focused Energy Lasers Austin (FELA) facility in Austin, TX. As a Laser Scientist, you will own hands-on execution of core laser experiments, including setting up the laser front end, two-dimensional SSD, frequency tripling, FM-AM, and amplifier characterization.

You will drive the day-to-day experimental schedule, ensure setups are ready, and comply with laser safety standards in a Class 3B/4 environment while documenting results and improving setups over time.