Laser & Photonics Scientist

The Extreme Light Matter and Fusion Directorate (LMF) formerly the NIF & Photon Science Directorate is seeking a Laser & Photonics Scientist to support the design prototyping and deployment of cutting-edge technologies for high-power and high-energy laser systems including the National Ignition Facility (NIF).

In this critical role you will provide hands-on scientific support to improve laser technology and implement new capabilities that increase NIFs power energy and precision. You will collaborate with scientists engineers and technicians as a key member of the Laser Science and Technology (LST) organization helping advance the capabilities of this flagship experimental facility of the National Nuclear Security Administration within the U.S. Department of Energy.

This position is within the Laser Science and Technology organization in the Extreme Light Matter and Fusion Principal Associate Directorate.

In this role you will

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility applying comprehensive knowledge and independent judgment to determine methods recommend improvements within established frameworks and support project and organizational goals.
• Perform moderately complex to complex hands-on work with laser and electro-optical components including alignment evaluation calibration troubleshooting data analysis data archiving and system documentation.
• Utilize computer-based data acquisition and control systems to efficiently collect and analyze experimental data supporting accurate results and informed technical decisions.
• Participate in the design planning and execution of laboratory experiments ensuring efficient procedures accurate data collection and reliable results.
• Utilize technical software to analyze and visualize data perform ray tracing and tolerance analyses and simulate physical phenomena.
• Collaborate with scientists engineers and technicians to coordinate resources plan experiments document research develop deliverables publish in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Specify and procure specialized laboratory equipment and supplies to support experimental requirements and ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level

• Function independently with minimal direction applying advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives prioritize multiple tasks allocate resources and develop innovative methods and technologies.
• Conduct and collaborate on technical efforts including responsibility for budgets schedules deliverables and resource allocation.
• Define and prioritize tasks to ensure that programmatic objectives are achieved efficiently and on schedule.
• Contribute to the development of new and advanced program opportunities including research proposals and interactions with potential sponsors and customers with minimal direction.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Physics Engineering or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience performing experiments with optics lasers and laser science.
• Experience planning and coordinating experiments including defining objectives developing test plans coordinating resources and ensuring efficient execution.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with a multi-disciplinary research team author technical and scientific reports publications papers and presentations.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.
• Significant experience working independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team and ability to lead advanced research and development activities.
• Advanced experience performing experiments with optics lasers and laser science.

Qualifications we desire

• Masters or Ph.D. degree in Physics or Engineering.
• Experience in engineering or physics laboratories including data acquisition laser diagnostics and control system development/utilization.
• Experience in planning and directing work with technical objectives estimating effort and setting milestones.
• Experience in the use of scientific software to model laser physics performance.
• Experience with high-power laser diodes.

Pay Range

$146340 - $222564 Annually

$146340 - $185544 Annually for the SES.2 level

$175530 - $222564 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 employees 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  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

  Per the Department of Energy (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes but not limited to cell phones tablets fitness devices wireless headphones and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

  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.

  How to identify fake job advertisements

  Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under Find Your Job of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent we strongly recommend you do not respond.

  To learn more about recruitment scams:  Employment Opportunity

  We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion marital status national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity disability medical condition pregnancy protected veteran status age citizenship or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

  Reasonable Accommodation

  Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process please use our online form to submit a request. 

  California Privacy Notice

  The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

  
  

  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time