Laser; Coherent Beam Combining Engineer

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

• 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

• Developing CBC laser sources with increased input power
• Developing active optical, mechanical, and feedbacking elements to maintain resonance
• Work 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.