Laser Modeling Physicist

Laser Modeling Physicist – National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)

Perform design, modeling, and commissioning of advanced solid‑state laser technology and high‑energy laser design for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). Potentially execute experiments to verify and validate laser concepts relevant to ICF laser driver architectures, laser propagation, amplification, linear and nonlinear optics, and laser–matter interaction research.

• Develop advanced laser physics and nonlinear optics models coupled with LLNL beam propagation code VBL++ to optimize designs for NIF and next‑generation high‑energy‑density (NG‑HED) facilities.
• Collaborate with Computer Science teams to validate physics captured in thermo‑mechanical codes that predict thermal and mechanical effects on beam quality at component and system levels.
• Document research, publish peer‑reviewed papers, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Apply scientific methods to modeling and experimental testing of optical parametric short‑pulse amplifiers, chirped pulse amplification, solid‑state laser materials science, high‑speed electro‑optics devices, atmospheric beam propagation, frequency conversion, and nonlinear optics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop experimental campaigns to enhance NIF performance through in‑depth analysis.
• Conduct technical tasks for advanced laser models using innovative methods beyond the current state of the VBL++ art, including nonlinear stimulated processes and non‑paraxial regime interactions.

• U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent education and experience.
• Comprehensive experimental physics experience in solid‑state lasers, laser cavities, short‑pulse technology, frequency conversion, nonlinear optics, crystal optics, atmospheric beam propagation, and thermo‑mechanical finite‑element calculations.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and analytical skills for moderately to highly complex laser design issues.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar scripting and data analysis tools; ability to write beam propagation, nonlinear optics, or amplification codes.
• Experience in signal and image processing of laser diagnostics signals.
• Broad scientific research and development experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.

• Advanced knowledge and hands‑on experience in short‑pulse laser physics and nonlinear optics applied to laser operations.
• Advanced problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and decision‑making for complex issues.
• Advanced research and development experience.
• Capability to augment laser physics, nonlinear optics modeling to increase VBL++ capabilities.

• Knowledge of laser architectures, technological limitations, and machine safety aspects of large, distributed high‑energy laser facilities.
• Experience planning and directing work with technical objectives, estimating effort, and setting milestones.
• Experience developing scientific software (ideally C++) for laser physics and nonlinear optics problems.

$146,340 – $222,564 Annually

• $146,340 – $185,544 Annually for SES.
2 level
• $175,530 – $222,564 Annually for SES.
3 level

Career Indefinite position, open to LLNL employees and external candidates.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing 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.

This position requires a DOE Q‑level clearance. Selection will trigger a Federal background investigation. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q‑level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.