Senior Laser Project Engineer

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.