Laser Engineer - LCLS Engineering Division

Position overview:

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. This facility provides world-leading scientific capabilities to a global user community, covering a very broad research portfolio that includes the development of advanced materials and chemical catalysts for clean energy systems;

drug discovery for modern pharmaceuticals; and fundamental studies of astrophysical phenomena.

We are seeking a candidate to fill the position of Staff Laser Engineer. The successful candidate will help drive a dynamic and exciting environment, working with a diverse team of scientists and engineers developing state-of-the-art high-ager power and high energy laser facilities, laser beam conditioning, diagnostics and delivery systems for the LCLS free electron x-ray lasers experimental end stations.

Major upgrades to LCLS are currently underway, representing well over a billion dollars of investment. Over the next five years, LCLS will design and deliver a new suite of science instruments to transform this field, taking advantage of the orders‑of‑magnitude increase in X‑ray beam power as the pulse repetition rate is increased from 120 pulses/second to 1 million/second. This drives the need for entirely new capabilities in the optical laser pump sources.

In addition, a major multi‑year project is underway to upgrade the LCLS facility with both kilojoule and Petawatt lasers, enabling high peak power optical and x‑ray photons to combine on target, providing world‑leading capabilities in the field of fusion science.

The successful candidate will join the Laser Engineering and Timing Systems department withing the LCLS engineering division and support new and existing programs through laser and optical systems design and modeling. In addition, procurement, assembly, integration, alignment, and test/verification of a wide variety of laser and electro‑optical systems across LCLS is also a major component of this role. All systems we deploy must meet high availability and up‑time requirements to meet the needs of a robust program for operations of these systems.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

• Work closely with other members of the engineering and scientific staff at LCLS to develop laser and optical designs for beam conditioning, beam transport, relay imaging, laser focusing, and associated laser diagnostic systems—including concept of operations—using sound engineering principles to ensure the final product is reliable, available, and maintainable.
• Support laser scientists across a wide range of laser R&D programs, serving as a bridge between laser R&D, engineering, and operations.
• Lead the execution and delivery of new optical and optomechanical systems for optical pump laser conditioning, delivery, and diagnostics throughout the LCLS facility.
• Take a leadership role in the detailed design, procurement, installation, alignment, integration, and validation of these systems. Provide ongoing engineering support for operations, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and designers to develop optomechanical support structures and mechanisms for these systems, ensuring they provide suitable degrees of freedom for precise alignment.
• Document all designs and develops training and operational support plans that enable high system uptime and ease of maintenance.

• A Bachelor’s degree with 4 or more years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 3 or more…