Laser Support Engineer

LBL • $86K — $145K *
San Francisco, CA 94112In-Person
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in optical and laser systems for Level 2; 3+ years for Level 1.
  • Experience in modeling, designing, building, and repairing solid-state lasers.
  • Familiarity with the laser and optics market and leading manufacturers' product lines.
  • Ability to specify, compare, and procure optical components and subsystems; negotiation skills for Level 2.
  • Strong communication skills for vendor service organization; metrics definition for Level 2.
  • Understanding of DOE and LBNL safety regulations regarding electrical and optical hazards.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

  • Operate high-power lasers and subsystems at the BELLA Center.
  • Monitor environmental conditions and resolve operational issues in a cleanroom.
  • Perform maintenance on high-power laser systems, including parts procurement and inventory management.
  • Participate in the design and development of new optical systems.
  • Develop operational protocols and procedures for laser systems.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams for multi-functional technical support.
  • Communicate hazards and ensure safe task performance.

Benefits

  • Full-time, 2-year term appointment with potential for extension or conversion to a career position.
  • Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment at a prestigious laboratory.
  • Engagement in innovative projects that advance laser technology and performance.
  • Access to a collaborative team of experts in laser and optical engineering.
Full Job Description
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Laser Support Engineer to join our team in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division at the BELLA Center. Working under general direction (Level 1) or providing technical leadership (Level 2), you will provide critical operational support, maintenance, and development for all high-power laser systems at the BELLA Center. These systems include the BELLA PW laser, two 100 TW class lasers, and various TW-class kHz lasers including fiber-based lasers. You will contribute to (Level 1) or lead (Level 2) projects advancing laser performance, troubleshoot complex laser subsystems, and ensure maximum system availability for cutting-edge experimental campaigns.

We are looking for candidates with [Level 1 = Job code N50.1, Level2 = N50.2]:
  • Minimum of 7 years [Level 2] / 3 years [Level 1] of work experience in optical and laser systems.
    • Modeling, designing, building, operation, and repair service work especially for solid state lasers.
  • [Level 2 only] Demonstrated experience leading novel optical engineering solutions aimed at improving laser performance, including placement of new diagnostics and data-informed optimization strategies.
  • Familiarity with the broader laser and optics market, including experience with product lines from leading manufacturers.
  • Demonstrated ability to specify and compare optical components and laser subsystems for procurement, and [Level 2] to negotiate purchases and establish metrics for verifying that delivered items meet specifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and organize vendor service, [Level 2] including defining metrics for service completion.
  • Ability to understand, apply, and adhere to DOE and LBNL safety regulations regarding electrical, optical, and other hazards present in the work environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience.


For both levels, desired to have familiarity with:
  • High power femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser systems and associated diagnostics (e.g., Dazzler, Wizzler, FROG, Autocorrelators, Sequoia...).
  • High power Nd:YAG lasers and associated diagnostics (spectrometers, mode profilers).
  • High-average power fiber lasers and femtosecond fiber lasers.
  • Vacuum systems for intense laser beam propagation.
  • Electronics including high voltage devices and associated hazards.
  • Computing and modern data acquisition systems.
  • Modern laser design/modeling tools (amplification, propagation).


You will:
  • Operate high power lasers at the BELLA Center, including subsystems such as pump lasers, cooling systems, vacuum systems and diagnostics supporting scientific teams to achieve their missions.
  • Monitoring environmental conditions and resolving issues relevant to high power laser operations in a cleanroom environment.
  • Direct and coordinate [Level 2] / Perform [Level 1] maintenance of the high power lasers systems including specifying and procuring replacement parts and organizing inventories to maximize the availability and reliability of laser systems.
  • Participate in the design and development of new optical systems.
  • Lead [Level 2] / Assist with [Level 1] the development of protocols for system operations, including establishing procedures.
  • Receive guidance on general priorities from BELLA management and:
    • [Level 2] Distribute instructions on routine and new project work to team members.
    • [Level 1] Perform work under general instructions for routine assignments and detailed instructions for new projects.
  • Collaborate with Mechanical and Electrical engineering teams to provide multi-functional technical support to ensure optimal performance of lasers.
  • Communicate potential hazards to colleagues and ensure that tasks are performed in a safe environment.


Additional information:
  • Application date:Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
  • Salary range:
    • [Level 1] The expected salary for this position is $86,412 - $108,048 which fits into the full salary of $86,412 - $145,860.
    • [Level 2] The expected salary for this position is $103,416 - $129,276 which fits into the full salary of $103,416 - $174,528.
    • Salary for these positions will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and years of experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
  • Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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