Optical Engineer

Job Description

We have multiple openings for experienced Optical Engineers. You will support optical systems design, modeling, analysis, and engineering for complex high energy laser systems, diagnostics, beam transport, and high-fidelity optical systems. This role requires balancing parallel tasks with broadly defined priorities while collaborating across scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers. This position is in the Optical Design and Engineering group within the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, part of LLNL's Engineering Directorate supporting projects across the National Ignition Facility 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.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities and qualifications (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility, use comprehensive knowledge, and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.
• Design and model moderately complex to complex optical systems such as high energy lasers, diagnostics, relay imaging systems, and beam transport systems in CODE V and FRED to inform design decisions and tradeoffs.
•  Design, analyze, and document optical component and system specifications, including performance, fabrication, inspection, and acceptance criteria.
•  Perform non-sequential, stray light, and ghost analysis and develop mitigation strategies for optical systems and subsystems.
• Perform tolerancing, error budgeting, and performance analyses for optical systems and subsystems.
• Define and derive assigned moderately complex to complex optical requirements from established physics and system-level performance requirements.
• Diagnose moderately complex to complex optical issues, develop practical solutions, and present technical results to multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• 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.
• Lead conceptual and preliminary designs for complex optical systems and perform advanced physical optics simulations, optical tolerancing, and system parameter studies using FRED/Code V scripting and modeling.
• Provide technical leadership for optical design and engineering efforts, including fabrication and test strategy development, design reviews, and pursuit of solutions in situations that may not be well defined.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience with CODE V or equivalent optical design software (Zemax, FRED, OSLO).
• Comprehensive knowledge of geometrical optics, lens design, imaging systems, and optical tolerancing principles.
• Ability to interpret moderately complex to complex optical, mechanical, and interface specifications.
• Experience interfacing with customer or sponsor requirements and translating them into optical specifications and engineering plans while working under limited direction.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or similar tools for data processing, automation, and simulation.
• Experience analyzing optical fabrication, alignment, inspection, and production considerations for precision optical systems.
• Proficient technical and non-technical communication skills, including the ability to present and explain technical information to multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong collaboration, initiative, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage parallel priorities under limited direction.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced optical system design skills and demonstrated experience leading design efforts for complex optical systems.
• Significant experience applying advanced physical optics knowledge under limited direction.
• Experience with advanced FRED/Code V scripting and modeling, including Macro-PLUS or similar automation tools.
• Advanced stray light simulation experience and the ability to develop innovative optical solutions with minimal oversight.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s or equivalent combination of education and experience in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Experience in optical design and engineering of high energy laser systems, laser diagnostics, beam alignment, or wavefront sensing systems.
• Experience leading and managing small, multidisciplinary teams and simplifying complex problems into actionable engineering approaches.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

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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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