Senior Optical Metrology Engineer

Job Description

We have multiple openings for experienced. Senior Optical Metrology Engineers to support the Optics Metrology Group at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) which is home to the world’s most powerful and energetic laser.  The group is responsible for validating the operation, maintenance, certification, and upgrading of large optic metrology tools located at LLNL, as well as supporting Department of Defense Technology customers with specialized optical metrology needs and R&D projects involving freeform optics. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and will support projects in the Optics and Materials Science & Technology Program in the NIF and Photon Science (NIF & PS) / Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) Directorate. 

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

These positions 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.

 In this role, 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.
• Independently plan and execute complex metrology evaluations, monitoring activities, and experiments with minimal direction.
• Design and develop complex optical test methods for custom applications.
• Analyze complex instruments and vendor data to validate manufacturing process control.
• Evaluate commercial photonics and optics components.
• Configure and document optical systems for build and analysis.
• Mentor operators and lead technical training.
• Provide technical oversight and evaluate project-team work.
• Estimate schedules and perform project-management functions under minimal direction.
• Monitor and develop measurement capabilities for precision metrology instruments.
• Recommend equipment upgrades, spare-part strategies, and replacement options.
• 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 diverse range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and organizational authority for optical metrology,establishing technical strategies, advising customers and vendors, and guiding the development of innovative methods and technologies that support organizational goals.
• Lead the evaluation, development, and lifecycle strategy for large precision metrology systems, including complex instruments, custom test methods, experiments, data analysis, vendor engagement, and upgrade or replacement paths supporting multidecade NIF and PS operations.
• Oversee metrology process improvement and vendor technical performance across the NIF optics enterprise, directing productivity and quality strategies, resolving highly complex issues, providing technical oversight, and influencing manufacturing control and compliance with NIF and PS specifications.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant optical metrology and/or optical fabrication experience.
• Advanced knowledge of process engineering and continuous improvement principles, including structured problem solving and root cause analysis, to support vendor and in-house metrology process analysis and problem resolution.
• Advanced experience with highly complex optical metrology techniques including interferometric measurements, photometry, spectrophotometry, group delay dispersion, scatter, and radiometry.
• Advanced hands-on experience and knowledge of optical metrology measurements in a production environment including highly complex instrument troubleshooting and data analysis techniques and developing process flow work instructions using measured data.
• Experience with commercial metrology software packages such as 4Sight, MetroPro, or Mx.
• Experience analyzing large historical datasets using statistical tools (such as Python/MATLAB) to identify trends, assess process stability, and support troubleshooting of tool or optic performance issues.
• Advanced knowledge of process engineering and continuous improvement principles, including structured problem solving and root cause analysis, to support vendor and in-house metrology process analysis and problem resolution
• Subject matter expertise in IDL, MATLAB, or/and LabView programming.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment which includes scientists, engineers, technicians, and vendors.
• Advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information including providing advice to senior management.
• Advanced knowledge of optical design codes (Code V, ZEMAX, FRED, OSLO, or equivalent) to analyze optical metrology configurations for component testing
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in complex evaluation, monitoring, and experiments of large precision metrology instruments including estimating project schedules and project management functions.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expertise and substantial knowledge in process improvement, highly complex problem resolution, negotiation, and leadership.
• Subject matter expertise in IDL, MATLAB, or/and LabView programming. 
• Subject matter expertise of non-linear optical processes (frequency conversion), laser damage processes and diffraction theory

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s in Physics, Optics, Engineering, and/or related experience in optical fabrication and finishing science.
• Experience working with off-site vendors in strategically developing new metrology tools.
• Significant knowledge and technical experience in the use of CNC sub-aperture tool grinders, CNC sub-aperture tool polishers, and MRF polishing including potential material interactions during grinding and mechanical & chemical polishing.
• Experience in optics design and manufacturing.
• Experience in measuring and evaluating optic specifications (scratch/dig, wavefront, power spectral density (PSD), roughness, and Zernike terms).

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.

Additional Information

#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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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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