Optical Engineer

Job Description

We have an opening for an experienced Optical Engineer . You will be responsible for optical systems design, modeling, analysis, and engineering for multiple challenges including high energetic laser systems, diagnostics, and high-fidelity optical systems.

Your scope of work will involve parallel tasks including priorities that may not be well defined. This position is in the Optical Design and Engineering of Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) division which isa part of the LLNL Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either job classification 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

• Design and model complex optical systems such as high energy lasers and diagnostics in CODE V at both lens and system level and utilize these models to inform decisions and tradeoffs.
• Design, analyze, and document complex optical component and system specifications.
• Perform non-sequential / Stray light modeling, analysis, and systematic mitigation using FRED.
• Understand the system-level big picture, diagnose complex problems, and propose solutions while working independently, under minimal direction.
• Perform tolerancing and analysis of optical systems and subsystems.
• Define complex optical requirements from physics requirements.
• Present and explain technical information to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the level

• Perform highly complex physical optics simulation, optical tolerancing, and system parameter studies using advanced FRED / CodeV scripting and modeling.
• Pursue optical solutions in situations that require in-depth analysis of intangible factors and frequently are not well-defined.
• Perform conceptual and preliminary designs of highly complex optical systems while leading optical design and engineering efforts.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance which requires citizenship.
• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience with CODE V or equivalent optical design software (Zemax, FRED, OSLO).
• Thorough understanding of geometrical optics and lens design principles.
• Ability to interpret complex optical and mechanical specifications which involve tolerancing requirements.
• Significant experience interfacing with customer product requirements related to optical specification and production techniques while working independently.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python and / or similar tools for data processing and simulation.
• Strong technical motivation to help ensure projects have sound strategy and minimized risks while working to resolve complex engineering issues.
• Strong technical and non-technical communication skills including providing advice to management regarding optical engineer design and potential technical tradeoffs.
• Strong interfacing and brainstorming skills as a team member.

Additional qualifications at the level

• Highly advanced optical system design skills and subject matter expertise including the ability to analyze intangible factors that are frequently not well defined and simplify them to a top-level generalization / parameterization.
• Substantial experience applying expert physical optics in a consultative manner.
• Experience with and substantial knowledge of Macro-PLUS programming language in CODE V.
• Extensive stray light simulation experience using FRED.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Leadership skills for leading and managing small, multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Information

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

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit
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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 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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