Laser Support Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

2d • $86,412 - $174,528 • Onsite

About The Position

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're here for the same mission: to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and help address global challenges, with a high level of impact, at an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Distribute instructions on routine and new project work to team members. [Level 2]
• Perform work under general instructions for routine assignments and detailed instructions for new projects. [Level 1]
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree