Senior Optical Metrology Engineer

Mid-Senior Level | Full-time
Engineering | Livermore, CA | 10/05/2026
Reference #: REF
8941Y
Job Code: SES.
3 Science & Engineering MTS 3 / SES.
4 Science & Engineering MTS 4
Organization: Engineering
Position Type: Career Indefinite
Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have multiple openings for experienced. Senior Optical Metrology Engineers to support the Optics Metrology Group at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) which is home to the world’s most powerful and energetic laser. The group is responsible for validating the operation, maintenance, certification, and upgrading of large optic metrology tools located at LLNL, as well as supporting Department of Defense Technology customers with specialized optical metrology needs and R&D projects involving freeform optics.

These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and will support projects in the Optics and Materials Science & Technology Program in the NIF and Photon Science (NIF & PS) / Light Matter and Fusion (LMF) Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

These positions 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

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Independently plan and execute complex metrology evaluations, monitoring activities, and experiments with minimal direction.
• Design and develop complex optical test methods for custom applications.
• Analyze complex instruments and vendor data to validate manufacturing process control.
• Evaluate commercial photonics and optics components.
• Configure and document optical systems for build and analysis.
• Mentor operators and lead technical training.
• Provide technical oversight and evaluate project-team work.
• Estimate schedules and perform project-management functions under minimal direction.
• Monitor and develop measurement capabilities for precision metrology instruments.
• Recommend equipment upgrades, spare-part strategies, and replacement options.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.
4 level

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts, to resolve a diverse range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Serve as the subject matter expert…