Senior Laser Electro-Optic Technologists - Laser Material Interaction Labs

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

The Laser-Matter Interaction Lab complex has multiple openings for Senior Laser Electro-Optics Technologists to support advanced laser material interaction studies using a 1 kJ pulsed laser system and a wide variety of tabletop lasers ranging in pulse duration from fs to cw. In these roles, selected candidates will exercise general technical and limited administrative authority, regularly interact with upper management and technical staff outside their immediate work unit, and independently collaborate with scientists, engineers, and skilled technical personnel. They may lead, train, or mentor other technical staff and will be responsible for technical commitments and interpretation of standards for complex laser systems. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions require full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

In this role, you will 

• Independently analyze complex system performance of high energy laser technology and processes using advanced methods, innovation, and judgment, identifying problems, providing input on solutions, and presenting data to a peer review team with recommendations.
• Interpret requirements, establish methods, and set priorities for opto-mechanical assemblies, precision laser alignment and tolerancing of laser/optical systems.
• Align and maintain a complex 1 kJ laser system to support high-precision material interaction experiments and ensure consistent reliable experimental performance.
• Configure and optimize laser system parameters, including fluence and beam diameter, to meet experimental requirements for various target materials.
• Design, modify, and install advanced laser diagnostic systems to monitor and characterize laser performance and experimental outcomes.
• Develop and execute pulse shaping strategies to optimize laser-material interactions.
• Troubleshoot and upgrade complex laser systems, diagnostics, and related equipment with minimal instruction or direction.
• Generate and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including operational procedures, alignment protocols, and diagnostic schematics.
• Collaborate with scientific and engineering staff to support experimental setups, system modifications, and ensure successful execution of project goals.
• Serve as a technical lead for engineering principles to solve complex problems using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Lead, train, and mentor other technical staff as needed.
• Utilize advanced data methods and perform in depth analysis of shot data to verify accuracy, identify anomalies, and clearly report findings and recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Laser Electro-Optics, Physics or the equivalent combination of education and prior relevant experience.
• Advanced skills and experience in alignment, configuration, and troubleshooting of high-energy laser systems.
• Advanced skills and understanding of high energy laser technology and processes with the ability to design complex systems and solutions to problems under minimal supervision.
• Advanced skills with opto-mechanical assemblies, precision laser alignment and tolerancing. 
• Demonstrated technical skills and advanced knowledge of engineering principles to solve complex problems using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Advanced level knowledge and understanding of photonics/laser technologies and experience working on a technical project team and providing technical direction and guidance to others.
• Advanced skills and experience in designing and installing optical and laser diagnostic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and provide technical leadership in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal, feedback, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Experience with safe work and business practices.
• Ability to make or recommend technical commitments and interpret standards for complex systems.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with engineering software tools such as SolidWorks, CREO, LabView or MATLAB.
• Demonstrated experience in vacuum systems, including operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of vacuum equipment and infrastructure.

Pay Range

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly

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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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