Laser-Matter Interaction Experimentalist

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Laser-Matter Interaction Experimentalist to lead the development of high-energy laser experiments at the Optical Sciences Laser (OSL) laboratory in support of LLNL’s energy and security missions. This position is part of the Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion (LMF) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser.

OSL has hosted more than 20 years of high-energy optics research and development. Its two beamlines and four-plus target chambers have supported some of the most distinctive laser-damage and laser-material-interaction experiments in the world.

OSL experiments integrate optical engineering, laser physics, optical materials science, and hands-on operation of laser and plasma diagnostics, including high-speed cameras. In this role, you will lead and conduct experiments with an interdisciplinary team of laser scientists, optical and mechanical engineers, and technicians. A major focus of the position will be a multi-year experimental effort to design and evaluate a compact kJ-class spatial filter concept.

OSL has strong demand for shot time on the system, with experiments typically divided between approximately R&D in support of customer experiments and OSL system improvement efforts. Because of the complexity of the laser system, the cost of experiments, and the size of the team required to operate the laboratory, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

In this role, you will

• Collaborate in the development of experimental campaigns exploring intense laser-matter interactions and high-energy laser component development.
• Conduct hands-on alignment and commissioning of laser systems and plasma diagnostics, including high-speed cameras.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams that research, design, develop, integrate, field, and improve advanced high-energy laser systems, high-peak-power lasers, and high-average-power laser technologies.
• Incorporate new physics models and emerging technologies to support evolving mission priorities.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to clearly communicate complex concepts, project updates, and technical recommendations to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Conduct technical tasks in design, planning, and documentation of experimental campaigns, including shot request preparation, safety documentation, and post-shot analysis reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Provide technical and strategic direction for multi-year experimental programs, defining campaign objectives, resource requirements, and success metrics in alignment with directorate priorities.
• May serve as the principal technical representative for OSL experimental capabilities in interactions with external sponsors, review committees, and collaborative institutions, ensuring alignment between facility capabilities and programmatic needs.
• Develop new ideas, modify approaches,  and drive adoption of novel diagnostic techniques, automation approaches, and operational improvements that expand experimental capability and increase throughput across OSL beamlines and target chambers.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in laser physics, applied physics, optical sciences, laser engineering, test engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced experience with laser diagnostic sensors and electronics, including performance characteristics and limitations, and selection and use in optical diagnostic systems.
• Advanced experience designing and executing high-energy laser experiments, including target chamber configuration, beam path alignment, and integration of optical and plasma diagnostics in a multi-user experimental facility.
• Advanced experience analyzing experimental data from laser-matter interaction or laser-induced damage studies, including proficiency with data reduction software and quantitative interpretation of results in the context of physical models.
• Experience guiding, leading, and mentoring team members.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present technical information clearly.

Additional qualifications, at the SES.4 level

• Expert-level experience in leading major experimental or operational campaigns with broad mission impact, including influencing technical direction and execution strategy for multi-year efforts.
• Expert-level experience coordinating cross-functional teams spanning scientific, engineering, and operations functions in a highly complex experimental facility environment.
• Established record of representing an organization in high-level technical reviews, program milestones, or external collaborations, with the ability to communicate highly complex technical concepts to various audiences.
• Subject matter expert in driving measurable improvements in facility performance, experimental capability, automation, or operational reliability.
• Experience mentoring senior technical staff and influencing technical decisions across multiple programs or organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated independence in identifying, defining, and securing resources for new research or operational initiatives with programmatic relevance.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with kJ-class laser technology.
• Experience in optical engineering and design and using Zemax, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent tools.
• Experience with laser system operation and alignment.
• Experience with experimental campaigns involving laser-matter interactions.
• Experience with laser-plasma diagnostics.
• Experience with high-speed camera operation.
• Experience with laser-induced damage phenomena.
• Experience designing and managing experiments in a multi-user scientific facility.
• Experience with laser timing systems.

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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