Research Engineer

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 104,700; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's LIGO Laboratory seeks a Research Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team focused on developing and characterizing high-performance systems for gravitational-wave detectors. You will work on test masses, laser systems, seismic isolation, and optics, contributing to the next generation of detectors at Caltech and MIT facilities.

The role emphasizes hands-on experimentation, collaboration with scientists and engineers, and the ability to present results clearly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Physics, Engineering, Optics, or related experimental field.
• 3+ years post-bachelor degree experience as an experimental physicist, engineer or equivalent.
• 2+ years experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
• Experience with the design and construction of engineered systems or research experiments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to present to senior LIGO staff.
• Demonstrated experience of successfully working with a team.

Responsibilities

• Support the cutting edge R&D program to improve detector sensitivity in collaboration with scientists and engineers.
• Develop, characterize and deploy LIGO core optics components, such as test masses.
• Design, construct and operate experiments to test coatings and technologies for gravitational-wave instruments.
• Collaborate in R&D for core components including seismic isolation, suspensions, optics, lasers, and mode matching systems.
• Collaborate with vendors and other groups on technologies and components for upgrades.
• Develop strong relationships with scientists and engineers at LIGO Observatories.
• Occasional travel to Livingston, Hanford, Cambridge; possibly internationally.
• Work in a cleanroom and laser environment for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift 20+ pounds of lab equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Experimental physics

Engineering

MATLAB

Python

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering

Master's or PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Zemax

Optical design CAD

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Laboratory seeks a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer to join its team. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at

This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California.

As a Research Engineer in the LIGO Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills to the design and implementation of technologies that increase the LIGO detector sensitivity and astrophysical reach, and to the development of the future interferometric detectors of the next decades. This position focuses on the development and characterization of the extremely high performance systems used for the LIGO interferometer, including but not limited to: the test mass mirrors, a critical component with state of the art performance: greater than 99.999% reflection, extremely low scatter, sub-part-per-million absorption and very low thermal noise; laser systems with unparalleled stability; seismic and vibration isolation systems; optical telescopes and sensors.

This is a highly multidisciplinary activity and your interests and passions will play a role in defining which research aspect you will focus primarily on.

You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to many different parts and aspects of the current and future LIGO detectors, and there will be many opportunities to develop new skills and expertise.

Essential Job Duties

• Support the cutting edge R&D program at the LIGO laboratory aimed at improving the sensitivity of the current and future detectors, in collaboration with scientists and engineers in the LIGO laboratory and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.
• Support the development, characterization and deployment of LIGO core optics components, such as test masses and other optical components.
• Design, construct and operate experiments and measurement systems to test new coatings and new technologies for current and future gravitational-wave instruments.
• Collaborate in the R&D for core components of the LIGO interferometers including: seismic isolation, suspensions, core optics, lasers, mode matching systems, adaptive optics systems.
• Collaborate with vendors and other research groups on the development of technologies and components relevant for the LIGO detector upgrades.
• Develop strong working relationships and collaborations with scientists and engineers at the two LIGO Observatories.
• This position requires occasional travel to other LIGO installations and collaborating institutions in Livingston, Louisiana, Hanford, Washington, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and possibly internationally.
• Applicants must be able to work in a cleanroom and laser environment for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry 20 or more pounds of lab and/or prototype equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor in Physics, Engineering, Optics, or related experimental field.
• A minimum of 3 years post bachelor degree experience as an experimental physicist, engineer or equivalent laboratory setting; this can be in a professional work environment or as part of further education.
• A minimum of 2 years experience with scientific computations and modeling using MATLAB, python or similar tools; this can be a significant contribution to a research project or work for a private employer.
• Experience with the design and construction of engineered systems or research experiments.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, as presentation of your work and findings to senior member of the LIGO laboratory is critical.
• Demonstrable experience of successfully working with a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master or Ph.D. in Physics or equivalent experience.
• Experience with mechanical CAD (Solidworks or equivalent) and Optical Design CAD (Zemax or equivalent).
• Experience with gravitational-wave detector technology.

Required Documents

• A cover letter is a required document for this position. Please write a letter that summarizes your relevant experience and your interest in working at LIGO.
• Resume.

Hiring Range

$80,000 - $104,700 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our

EEO Statement

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

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at