Laser; Coherent Beam Combining Engineer

Laser (Coherent Beam Combining)

(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 150 m 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
• Working 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

• 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.