LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Laser Development Engineer - Boulder, CO

Southwest Research Institute; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, CO seeks a Lead Engineer to spearhead laser development for spaceflight instrumentation. The role covers design, fabrication, and testing of laser-based systems from concept through delivery.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in optics and laser engineering, with hands-on experience in high-power laser alignment, vacuum systems, LV control, and safety protocols. Boulder-based, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Requires advanced degree in engineering with lasers focus
• 8+ years in optics modeling and laser system development
• 7+ years of laser operation experience with diode/external cavity systems
• 3+ years in laser system design to requirements and verification
• Valid/clear driver's license required

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate and test laser-based instrumentation from concept to delivery
• Operate and align high-power lasers (diode, YAG, OPO, Ti:S, fs-lasers)
• Lead optomechanical design and procurement interfacing with vendors
• Conduct experimental data collection in optical lab environments
• Maintain and troubleshoot laser systems, cooling, HV and vacuum subsystems

Skills

Optics modeling

Laser operation

Experimental data collection

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical or Optical Engineering

Tools

ZEMAX

LabVIEW

Job description

LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Laser Development Engineer - Boulder, CO

19-00195

Who We Are:

As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we work to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe.

Objectives of this Role:

• Participate in the research and development of experimental, laser-based, spaceflight instrumentation enabling scientific investigations across the Solar System.
• Contribute to the design, development, and hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and test of instrumentation systems from concept to flight instrument delivery.
• Support the division in cutting edge research involving pulsed lasers, mass spectrometry and high-speed data acquisition systems.
• Provide expert engineering for selection, operation, and maintenance of laser systems.
• Experience in laser safety for all wavelengths, lab safety, HV safety, chemical safety, and vacuum safety

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Work with scientific personnel to design, build, and test laser-based instrumentation. This includes operating, maintaining, and aligning high power lasers including diode fiber lasers, YAG lasers, OPO lasers, TiS lasers, fs-lasers, and optical/laser design.
• Hands-on work with ultra-high vacuum systems, pressurized gases, cryogens and high-voltage systems.
• Lead the design, fabrication and performance validation of various optomechanical systems and interfacing with external vendors to procure instrumentation hardware, system sub-components and laboratory test equipment.
• Experimental data collection in an optical laboratory environment.
• Maintenance to include working with flash lamps, minor electronics repair, cooling system maintenance and repair, and the ability to set up laser control through timing boxes and LabVIEW control.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Quantum Engineering or other related engineering degree field with relevant focus on lasers. Advanced degrees will be considered in lieu of some years of related industry work experience.
• 8+ years: Optics modeling and development for laser systems. Experience with optical design software (ZEMAX or similar).
• 7+ years: Laser operation and engineering for one or more of the following: diode lasers, external cavity lasers, laser optical systems and components, laser spectrometers, laser diffraction and vis/NIR detectors.
• 3+ years: Design of laser systems to requirements, verification planning, and execution.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.