Laser; Coherent Beam Combining Engineer

Laser (Coherent Beam Combining) Engineer (Job code:2025001)

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Lasers, Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field, with experience in high-energy laser system design and development.
• Strong expertise in high energy laser coherent beam combining technologies.
• Background and expertise with semiconductor laser sources and fiber laser amplifiers.
• Proficiency with modeling software such as Finesse, Zemax, COMSOL, Lumerical, RSoft, Python, Mathematica, or ANSYS Lumerical for laser and cavity simulations.
• Experience developing electro‑mechanical feedback systems is desirable.
• Experience working in cross‑disciplinary teams across multiple technical fields.

BLF is a startup based in Goleta, CA, developing a high-energy laser system to enable laser-driven inertial fusion energy (IFE). Following the success of the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, BLF aims to create a high-energy, high repetition-rate laser capable of sustaining repeated nuclear fusion reactions. We are tackling the key scientific and engineering challenges necessary to make this a reality.

We are seeking an experienced engineer to drive the development of advanced high energy laser systems using coherent beam combining techniques. The BLF laser‑optical enhancement cavity platform utilizes a Fabry‑Pérot cavity to stack and store a train of lower power pulses into kJ+ high-energy pulses. This system requires:

• Ultra‑high reflectivity mirrors.
• Pulsed, high power laser injection.
• High finesse cavities up to 150m in length.
• Precise resonance tuning between the input laser and the cavity.
• Minimization of optical losses.

The Laser Engineer will enhance BLF’s laser‑OEC concept by:

• Developing CBC laser sources with increased input power.
• Developing active optical, mechanical, and feedback elements to maintain resonance.
• Working with laser and fiber amplifier vendors to develop and procure optimal sources.
• Modeling optical performance of the laser‑enhancement cavity using industry‑standard software.
• Assessing thermal effects at higher input powers.
• Troubleshooting and optimizing system performance.

The Laser Engineer will be expected to:

• Work on site primarily in Goleta (Santa Barbara), CA.
• Occasionally travel to work with international and domestic development partners.
• Work closely with BLF Founder, Shuji Nakamura.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits package.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Stock options.

Join us in advancing fusion energy technology and pushing the boundaries of high-energy laser systems.