Staff 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 laser�s 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. 

Your specific responsibilities include: 

• 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.

To be successful in this position you will bring: 

• A Bachelor�s degree with 4 or more years of experience, or a Master�s degree with 3 or more years of experience, in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and experience in the following areas:
• High average power laser system design and operation
• High Energy laser system design and operation
• Design and use of laser diagnostics (e.g., CCD, pulse duration, wavefront sensors, etc.)
• Extensive experience aligning lasers, and optical systems
• Optical design and analysis
• Commercial lens design and optical analysis software 
• Collaboration with mechanical engineers to develop optomechanical systems
• Use of optical metrology equipment and methods
• Installation, commissioning and transfer to operations of complex systems 
• Preparing detailed optics drawings for fabrication
• Familiarity with optical coatings, including high laser damage threshold coatings
• Hands-on experience installing and aligning precision optical systems
• Experience with data analysis, experimental processes, and the design and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative tasks, and maintain research protocols related to scientific or engineering projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary for effective collaboration

In addition, preferred requirements include: 

• Experience with high-repetition-rate (hundreds of kHz), high-average-power (hundreds of watts) lasers based on Yb gain media. Areas of expertise include:
• Experience with Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification (OPCPA) systems, including the design and architecture of ultrashort pulse lasers (<30 fs)
• Experience with ultrafast laser technology, particularly in a scientific research facility, is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of Zemax OpticStudio, MATLAB, and Python
• Relevant project management experience, including defining requirements, managing cost, schedule, and successful delivery of complex systems

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on delivering results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flows to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
• Physical requirements and working conditions: Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.  Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1�General Policy and Responsibilities:  http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,  http://adminguide.stanford.edu 
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.