Laser Support Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s BELLA Center seeks a Laser Support Engineer to operate high-power laser systems and support experimental campaigns. The role spans maintenance, diagnostics, and reliability improvements across multiple laser platforms.

Level 1 emphasizes hands-on operation and routine maintenance, while Level 2 invites technical leadership, project coordination with vendors, and collaboration with engineering teams to enhance laser performance and safety.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience for Level 2, or 3 years for Level 1 in optical and laser systems.
• Experience leading novel optical engineering solutions to improve laser performance.
• Experience specifying and procuring optical components and subsystems.
• Ability to communicate with vendors and negotiate purchases.
• Knowledge of DOE and LBNL safety regulations for electrical and optical hazards.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate high power lasers at the BELLA Center, including pump lasers, cooling, vacuum systems and diagnostics.
• Monitor environmental conditions and resolve issues in a cleanroom environment.
• Perform maintenance and procurement to maximize laser system availability and reliability.
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Electrical engineering teams for multi-functional support.
• Develop and implement operational protocols for system performance and safety.

Skills

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Vendor management

Safety compliance

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Dazzler

Wizzler

FROG

Autocorrelators

Sequoia

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Laser Support Engineer to join our team in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division at the BELLA Center. Working under general direction (Level 1) or providing technical leadership (Level 2), you will provide critical operational support, maintenance, and development for all high-power laser systems at the BELLA Center. These systems include the BELLA PW laser, two 100 TW class lasers, and various TW-class kHz lasers including fiber-based lasers. You will contribute to (Level 1) or lead (Level 2) projects advancing laser performance, troubleshoot complex laser subsystems, and ensure maximum system availability for cutting-edge experimental campaigns.

We're here for the same mission: to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and help address global challenges, with a high level of impact, at an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

We are looking for candidates with [Level 1 = Job code N50.1, Level2 = N50.2]:

• Minimum of 7 years [Level 2] / 3 years [Level 1] of work experience in optical and laser systems.
  • Modeling, designing, building, operation, and repair service work especially for solid state lasers.
• [Level 2 only] Demonstrated experience leading novel optical engineering solutions aimed at improving laser performance, including placement of new diagnostics and data-informed optimization strategies.
• Familiarity with the broader laser and optics market, including experience with product lines from leading manufacturers.
• Demonstrated ability to specify and compare optical components and laser subsystems for procurement, and [Level 2] to negotiate purchases and establish metrics for verifying that delivered items meet specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and organize vendor service, [Level 2] including defining metrics for service completion.
• Ability to understand, apply, and adhere to DOE and LBNL safety regulations regarding electrical, optical, and other hazards present in the work environment.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience.

For both levels, desired to have familiarity with:

• High power femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser systems and associated diagnostics (e.g., Dazzler, Wizzler, FROG, Autocorrelators, Sequoia...).
• High power Nd:YAG lasers and associated diagnostics (spectrometers, mode profilers).
• High-average power fiber lasers and femtosecond fiber lasers.
• Vacuum systems for intense laser beam propagation.
• Electronics including high voltage devices and associated hazards.
• Computing and modern data acquisition systems.
• Modern laser design/modeling tools (amplification, propagation).

You will:

• Operate high power lasers at the BELLA Center, including subsystems such as pump lasers, cooling systems, vacuum systems and diagnostics supporting scientific teams to achieve their missions.
• Monitoring environmental conditions and resolving issues relevant to high power laser operations in a cleanroom environment.
• Direct and coordinate [Level 2] / Perform [Level 1] maintenance of the high power lasers systems including specifying and procuring replacement parts and organizing inventories to maximize the availability and reliability of laser systems.
• Participate in the design and development of new optical systems.
• Lead [Level 2] / Assist with [Level 1] the development of protocols for system operations, including establishing procedures.
• Receive guidance on general priorities from BELLA management and:
  • [Level 2] Distribute instructions on routine and new project work to team members.
  • [Level 1] Perform work under general instructions for routine assignments and detailed instructions for new projects.
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Electrical engineering teams to provide multi-functional technical support to ensure optimal performance of lasers.
• Communicate potential hazards to colleagues and ensure that tasks are performed in a safe environment.

Additional information:

• Application date:Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary range:
  • [Level 1] The expected salary for this position is $86,412 - $108,048 which fits into the full salary of $86,412 - $145,860.
  • [Level 2] The expected salary for this position is $103,416 - $129,276 which fits into the full salary of $103,416 - $174,528.
  • Salary for these positions will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and years of experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit:

careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.