Senior Laser & Photonics Scientist — High-Power Laser R&D

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Laser & Photonics Scientist to advance high-power laser technologies for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The role involves hands-on work with laser components, data acquisition, and collaborative research across physics and engineering teams to implement new capabilities and improve system performance.

You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and publish results while coordinating resources and equipment procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering; Master’s/PhD preferred.
• Experience performing experiments with optics and lasers.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on work with laser and electro-optical components including alignment and calibration.
• Design, plan and execute laboratory experiments with accurate data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and technicians to publish results and present at conferences.
• Specify and procure specialized lab equipment to support experiments.
• Maintain thorough system documentation and data archiving.

Skills

Optics experiments

Lasers and laser science

Data analysis

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Ray tracing software

Data acquisition systems

Control systems

Job description

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Laser & Photonics Scientist to advance high-power laser technologies for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The role involves hands-on work with laser components, data acquisition, and collaborative research across physics and engineering teams to implement new capabilities and improve system performance.

You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and publish results while coordinating resources and equipment procurement.