NIF&PS Laser Physicist-Optical Frequency Conversion Systems

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

We have an opening for an experienced Laser Physicist to independently guide the development, research, design, analysis, modeling, testing, and fielding of optical frequency conversion systems for advanced laser technology and systems. You will provide technical direction to an interdisciplinary team developing and deploying state-of-the art high intensity, high energy, laser systems for DOE (Department of Energy) and LLNL.  This position is in the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD).

This position 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

• Lead efforts and strategies for interdisciplinary teams that research, design, develop, integrate, and field or enhance in performance advanced, high-energy laser systems, high peak power lasers and high average power laser technologies.
• Guide systems design and apply system-level engineering principles to a wide variety of advanced laser design and analysis projects using novel approaches to develop operational, system, and subsystem solutions.
• Lead integrated experiments in the fields of nonlinear optics, long & short pulse, high power and high energy laser physics.
• Develop complex theoretical and numerical system models needed to corroborate or anticipate experimental results that test advanced, coupled physics and modeling capability in collaboration with laboratory scientists and engineers.
• Provide recommendations to leadership and technical team regarding project vision and strategy independently, under minimal supervision, and influence technical direction for self and others, while providing technical and intellectual leadership on research and development projects.
• Prepare and provide technical presentations and publications for internal and external audiences.
• Advise senior management on involved technical strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level:

• Utilize highly advanced knowledge and expertise to guide and oversee research, design, and enhancement or development of state-of-the-art frequency conversion systems for lasers including elements that are frequently not well defined and often involve uncertain factors.

• Apply subject matter expertise and leadership in Joule-class to hundred+ Joule-class long pulse frequency conversion that accounts for thermal/birefringence  effects, nonlinear optical effects and other effects that may degrade the final output.

• Lead and perform highly complex and detailed signal and image analysis of extensive, highly intricate, and integrated laser performance experiments and their corresponding modeling.

• Develop in-depth and highly complex nonlinear optics models from their theorical aspect to their numerical implementation potentially for massively parallel high-performance computer systems to explain the detailed and integrated performance of laser systems.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.

• PhD in Laser Physics, Applied Physics, general solid-state laser engineering, high average power laser technology and thermal, birefringence management techniques, short and long pulse laser physics, and/or nonlinear optics as applied to laser development, modeling, applications, and operations or related field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.

• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience with complex analytical, numerical modeling and experiments needed to make recommendations and lead strategies for scientific and/or technical projects.

• Significant experience in systems design for advanced laser design and analysis projects.

• Advanced knowledge and significant experience recommending, developing and implementing solutions to a diverse range of difficult and complex problems.

• Experience guiding, leading, and mentoring team members.

• Advanced communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level:

• Substantial  knowledge and subject matter expertise developing highly complex state-of-the-art laser systems in an R&D environment.
• Expert level knowledge and experience in Joule-class to hundred+ Joule-class long pulse optical frequency conversion, thermal effects, or nonlinear optical effects and their respective modeling.
• Substantial experience developing and utilizing highly complex laser performance and/or laser propagation modeling codes from their theorical aspect to their numerical implementation potentially in massively parallel high-performance computer systems.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

LLNL demonstrates its commitment to public safety by requiring that all new Laboratory employees be immunized against COVID-19 unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to all new hires including those who will be working on site, as well as those who will be teleworking.

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. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.  For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. 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.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via our online form. 

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