Senior Optical Scientist

Job Summary

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Senior Optical Scientist to join its team with experience in research, design and problem solving in a collaborative environment. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world‑leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses.

The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational‑wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational‑wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. This position is an in‑person role located in Pasadena, California. The successful candidate will work alongside the current optics lead, support and manage the existing team, and report to the most senior engineers at LIGO Lab.

This role is critical for core optics and optical coatings and offers an important position within LIGO Lab to work with world‑leading scientists and engineers on cutting‑edge science. The selected candidate will play a vital role in leading LIGO into the future.

• Perform optical design and analysis.
• Conduct research on optical designs and optical coatings.
• Direct and assist with testing, analysis, and oversight of precision optical metrology instruments to test hypotheses and gather data.
• Support the operation and maintenance of world‑class, precision optical characterization and metrology facilities.
• Develop optical specifications, policies, and procedures.
• Provide technical expert support for multi‑million‑dollar contracts with optics and coating fabricators providing cutting‑edge technology that enables LIGO’s extreme sensitivity.
• Provide ongoing modifications and solution alternatives to meet current and future research and observatory requirements.
• Conceptualize the design and direct the development of enhanced measurement techniques and improved optics.
• Diagnose and design solutions and modifications in response to optic, optical equipment or component malfunctions and failures.
• Support the current lead with overseeing the Caltech Optical Sciences Group, including technical, budget, resource, and task management.
• Provide technical guidance as well as technical oversight to matrixed engineering and science staff working on optics, opto‑electronics, and interferometry.
• Communicate (written and verbal) technical progress and budget/resource status on various projects, internally within the organization and externally to parties outside the organization.
• Take on people‑management responsibilities and coach junior staff, encourage professional development, conduct annual reviews and nurture the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

• BS in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with high‑precision optics and high‑value optical component procurement.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in technical leadership/management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of optical design, analysis, and testing for interferometry.
• Experience directly using scientific observation and analysis, creative thinking, and method development to solve problems related to optics and optical systems.
• Thorough knowledge of precision optical fabrication and coating practices.
• Significant experience with precision optical metrology.
• Significant experience with technical specifications and support for contracting optical fabrication.

• Masters or a PhD in a related field.
• Significant experience in technical supervision of a group of 5 or more staff.
• Experience in project management including use of MS Project for project management and planning.
• History of working in and with international collaborations with optical scientists and other professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers, physicists, and research scientists, to invent original concepts for optical products and improve existing devices.

$134,000 – $165,000 per year.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to .