Senior Laser Project Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Laser Project Engineer to lead innovative engineering projects in advanced laser systems. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge systems and components for scientific, defense, and industrial applications. You will work on projects that require diverse engineering expertise, including laser systems engineering, computational simulation, precision design, advanced manufacturing, prototype development, and rigorous testing. This is an opportunity to work on impactful projects that push the boundaries of engineering and technology in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate and support the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Design, model, and evaluate laser systems and components, including laser amplifiers, laser diodes, pump shaping using micro-optics, laser energetics, amplified spontaneous emission, thermal effects, and depolarization.
• Perform offline assembly of laser components; measure, characterize, and analyze performance using laser diagnostics; design and build experimental tests to validate optical amplifiers, polarization components, mirrors, lenses, laser assemblies, and related hardware while supporting quality assurance, troubleshooting, and system performance improvement.
• Provide technical direction within assigned technical teams to define, develop, and deliver critical systems and components while ensuring alignment with project schedules and budgets.
• Perform complex hands-on work activities on electro-optical components using techniques and methods to ensure optimal performance which will include alignment, evaluation, calibration (offline and online), troubleshooting complex technical issues, data analysis (using computer-based data acquisition and controls), data archiving and system documentation.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and oversee execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members, assisting in fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Prepare, deliver, and explain written and verbal presentations of technical work to stakeholders, including providing advice to management.
• Maintain and ensure quality standards for all deliverables and leverage team skills to successfully complete complex projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts to resolve a range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Utilize existing resources and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities and expand the impact of projects.
• Serve as a recognized technical expert with sponsors, customers and industry partners to address needs and drive project success.
• Establish project vision, strategy and influence technical direction to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or a relevant technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of free-space and fiber laser architectures, amplifier design, laser diode pump techniques, ASE mitigation, thermal management, and depolarization compensation in high-power laser systems.
• Advanced understanding of laser cavity physics including resonator stability, mode discrimination, thermal lensing, gain saturation, and nonlinear effects (B-integral, SRS, SHG); able to apply these principles to diagnose system-level performance limitations and drive design improvements.
• Proven ability to independently develop and execute physics-based models of laser systems, including gain extraction (Frantz-Nodvik), beam propagation, wavefront aberration, and stray light analysis using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical background in laser beam quality characterization (M², BPP, Strehl ratio, near- and far-field diagnostics) with the ability to correlate measurement results to system design parameters and recommend corrective action.
• Experience developing or implementing signal processing and data acquisition chains for pulsed laser diagnostics, including timing, triggering, noise budget analysis, and SNR optimization.
• Significant hands-on experience leading the assembly, alignment, and integration of laser systems and diagnostic subsystems in laboratory and field environments, with demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot component and system-level failures.
• Advanced knowledge in laser diagnostic instrumentation — including power and energy meters, wavefront sensors, beam profilers, spectrometers, and ultrashort-pulse diagnostics. The ability to design and implement measurement campaigns that fully characterize system performance against requirements.
• Demonstrated ability of translating complex laser system requirements into subsystem-level specifications and communicating design decisions clearly to multidisciplinary teams and technical reviewers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical direction for the optical and optomechanical design of laser subsystems from requirements definition through fielding, including tolerance analysis, design margin assessment, and interface control with mechanical and electrical subsystems.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in project planning and technical leadership.
• Experience interacting and coordinating activities and objectives with all levels of technical staff, managers, stakeholders, and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage small and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience developing and implementing solutions to complex technical problems, including applying technical best practices, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Expert level experience in the application and development of technical industry best practices in an innovative and creative fashion.
• Expertise and demonstrated ability in leading highly technical teams to successfully execute defined projects.
• Extensive experience independently planning and executing highly complex technical work with competing priorities and evolving requirements.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters or PhD in physics, engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in leading complex engineering projects.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver innovative solutions, including expertise in systems engineering, precision design, or advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of building effective collaborations across internal teams, sponsors, and industry partners.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. 

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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