Senior Laser Engineer: Beam Path & Alignment Lead

Focused; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401k plan

Medical, Dental, Vision

Unlimited PTO

Equipment: Laptop

Office snacks

Team events

Career development

Job summary

Focused Energy's Austin laser team is building and commissioning a kJ-class laser system. We are seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to be the technical anchor for laser setup and alignment in Austin.

This person will turn beam path plans into commissioned, operating systems. You will own laser alignment and optomechanical layout end‑to‑end for a critical program, and will progressively take ownership of the optical side of the standard laser diagnostic package and alignment automation as the

Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on experience with high-power laser systems and optical integration.
• Ability to translate beam path plans into optomechanical layouts and BOMs.
• Familiarity with laser diagnostics, alignment, and wavefront characterization.
• Comfort working independently on layout and component selection; escalation only for architecture decisions.
• Knowledge of laser safety standards (ANSI Z136 / Class 4).
• Experience with pulsed laser systems (CPA or Q-switched) is a plus.
• Experience coordinating with controls engineering on interfaces.
• Track record as a hands-on technical resource for laser alignment and optics.

Responsibilities

• Own laser setup, alignment, and beam path implementation from layout to commissioning.
• Translate beam path designs into optomechanical layouts and BOMs in collaboration with leadership.
• Drive beam-smoothing designs and component procurement with team and vendors.
• Own the optical side of the laser diagnostic package, including calibration and maintenance.
• Build the optical alignment automation interface with Controls Engineering.
• Ensure cleanroom protocols during optical handling and installation.
• Coordinate with Controls Engineering on diagnostic architecture and interfaces.
• Provide hands-on optical support for experimental campaigns.

Skills

High-power laser systems

Optomechanical layouts

Laser diagnostics

Wavefront characterization

Cleanroom handling

Laser safety

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Beam smoothing

Entrepreneurial mindset

Mission-driven

Pulsed laser systems experience

Laser alignment automation

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Focused Energy's Austin laser team is building and commissioning a kJ-class laser system. We are seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to be the technical anchor for laser setup and alignment in Austin.

This person will turn beam path plans into commissioned, operating systems. You will own laser alignment and optomechanical layout end‑to‑end for a critical program, and will progressively take ownership of the optical side of the standard laser diagnostic package and alignment automation as the