Laser-Matter Interaction Experimentalist

• Full-time
• Organization:
  Light Matter Fusion
• Job Code 2: SES.
  3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
• Employee Referral Bonus:
  Not applicable
• Job Code 1: SES.
  2 Science & Engineering MTS 2
• Pre-Employment Drug Test:
  Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
• Pre-Placement Medical Exam:
  Not applicable
• Security Clearance:
  Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)

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 are seeking a Laser-Matter Interaction Experimentalist to support the development and execution of high-energy laser experiments at the Optical Sciences Laser (OSL) laboratory in support of LLNL’s energy and security missions. This position is part of the Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Directorate (LMF), formerly the NIF & Photon Science Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser.

OSL has hosted more than 20 years of high-energy optics research and development. Its two beamlines and four-plus target chambers have supported some of the most distinctive laser-damage and laser-material-interaction experiments in the world.

OSL experiments integrate optical engineering, laser physics, optical materials science, and hands‑on operation of laser and plasma diagnostics, including high‑speed cameras. In this role, you will plan and conduct experiments with an interdisciplinary team of laser scientists, optical and mechanical engineers, and technicians. A major focus of the position will be contributing to a multi‑year experimental effort to design and evaluate a compact kJ‑class spatial filter concept.

OSL has strong demand for shot time on the system, with experiments typically divided between approximately R&D in support of customer experiments and OSL system improvement efforts. Because of the complexity of the laser system, the cost of experiments, and the size of the team required to operate the laboratory, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

In this role, you will

• Contribute to the development of experimental campaigns exploring intense laser‑matter interactions and high‑energy laser component development.
• Contribute to hands‑on alignment and commissioning of laser systems and plasma diagnostics, including high‑speed cameras.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams that research, design, develop, integrate, field, and improve advanced high‑energy laser systems, high‑peak‑power lasers, and high‑average‑power laser technologies.
• Apply established physics models and emerging technologies to experimental design and data analysis in support of evolving mission priorities.
• Contribute to technical tasks in the design, planning, and documentation of experimental campaigns, including shot request preparation, safety documentation, and post‑shot analysis reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.
3 level

• Conduct technical tasks in the design and execution of experimental campaigns, including defining test objectives, experimental plans, and diagnostic requirements in coordination with program leadership.
• Collaborate in the development and incorporate new physics models, diagnostic…