SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory · 9 hours ago
Staff Laser Engineer - LCLS Engineering Division
Menlo Park, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$140K/yr - $207K/yr
3+ years expSLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a leading science facility operated by Stanford University, focusing on advanced materials and chemical catalysts for clean energy systems, drug discovery, and astrophysical studies. They are seeking a Staff Laser Engineer to develop high-energy laser facilities, beam conditioning, and diagnostics for the LCLS free electron x-ray laser. The role involves collaborating with scientists and engineers, designing optical systems, and ensuring high system uptime.
Advanced MaterialsBiotechnologyGovernmentLife Science
Responsibilities
Work closely with other members of the engineering and scientific staff at LCLS to develop laser and optical designs for beam conditioning, beam transport, relay imaging, laser focusing, and associated laser diagnostic systems—including concept of operations—using sound engineering principles to ensure the final product is reliable, available, and maintainable
Support laser scientists across a wide range of laser R&D programs, serving as a bridge between laser R&D, engineering, and operations
Lead the execution and delivery of new optical and optomechanical systems for optical pump laser conditioning, delivery, and diagnostics throughout the LCLS facility
Take a leadership role in the detailed design, procurement, installation, alignment, integration, and validation of these systems. Provide ongoing engineering support for operations, maintenance, and upgrades
Collaborate with mechanical engineers and designers to develop optomechanical support structures and mechanisms for these systems, ensuring they provide suitable degrees of freedom for precise alignment
Document all designs and develops training and operational support plans that enable high system uptime and ease of maintenance
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's degree with 4 or more years of experience, or a Master's degree with 3 or more years of experience, in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
High average power laser system design and operation
High Energy laser system design and operation
Design and use of laser diagnostics (e.g., CCD, pulse duration, wavefront sensors, etc.)
Extensive experience aligning lasers, and optical systems
Optical design and analysis
Commercial lens design and optical analysis software
Collaboration with mechanical engineers to develop optomechanical systems
Use of optical metrology equipment and methods
Installation, commissioning and transfer to operations of complex systems
Preparing detailed optics drawings for fabrication
Familiarity with optical coatings, including high laser damage threshold coatings
Hands-on experience installing and aligning precision optical systems
Experience with data analysis, experimental processes, and the design and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization
Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative tasks, and maintain research protocols related to scientific or engineering projects
Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment
Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary for effective collaboration
Preferred
Experience with high-repetition-rate (hundreds of kHz), high-average-power (hundreds of watts) lasers based on Yb gain media
Experience with Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification (OPCPA) systems, including the design and architecture of ultrashort pulse lasers
Experience with ultrafast laser technology, particularly in a scientific research facility, is highly desirable
Working knowledge of Zemax OpticStudio, MATLAB, and Python
Relevant project management experience, including defining requirements, managing cost, schedule, and successful delivery of complex systems
Company
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is the U.S. Department of Energy's national lab at Stanford University. It is a sub-organization of Stanford University.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (3)
2023 (59)
2022 (69)
2021 (68)
2020 (41)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
US Department of EnergyU.S. Department of Homeland Security
2023-09-27Grant
2023-08-16Grant
2023-01-20Grant
Leadership Team
Pinku Surana
Staff Engineer
Recent News
2025-12-27
2025-12-13
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