Optical Component Production Engineer

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.

Are you ready to join a team advancing world-class optics processing capabilities in support of national security science?  The Optics Materials Science & Technology (OMST) team at the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) is seeking an Optical Component Production Engineer. You will participate with a multi-disciplinary team in final process development, vendor qualification, and pilot and production implementation of optical components for NIF&PS, including work on projects such as the newly developed optically address light valve (OALV) device for use on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) as a beam-based programmable spatial shaper (BBPSS), which will serve as the first project supported in this role.

You will provide technical guidance across development, production, and integration activities, working closely with internal and external partners to transition the optical components from prototype to robust manufacturing. This position is part of the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate and supports the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

In this role, you will 

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Provide technical guidance to the supplier base to manufacture NIF optical components, including projects such as the OALV for BBPSS, including providing input on requirements, new processes and tooling, process optimization, and transition from development into production.
• Manage schedule and data management for fabrication and optical components, including prioritizing tasks and resources across multiple vendors and internal stakeholders.
• May lead cross-functional integration with the R&D teams to plan and execute the transition of prototype devices to robust pilot and production-level manufacturing.
• Collaborate with physics and integration teams to define and negotiate device requirements, acceptable yield targets, and installation plans, and resolve high-impact technical and integration issues.
• Conduct technical tasks for all aspects of the assembly, including working with material growers, finishing, coating and final assembly.
• Perform root-cause analysis and yield-improvement initiatives, apply advanced materials knowledge of device components, and define and drive corrective action plans across vendors and internal teams.
• Provide solutions to complex data from optics production operations to improve process performance and yield.
• Prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that communicate research results and periodic progress reports, including presentations for program management and external reviews.
• Analyze vendor production control methods for weaknesses and make recommendations to improve component quality and reduce unit cost.
• Collaborate with optical coordination staff to track vendor performance, onsite metrology, optic location, and archive metrology data.
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience working with laser-based systems in a research, industrial, or national laboratory environment.
• Advanced experience applying engineering principles to achieve process development and process improvement goals with external visibility.
• Advanced experience performing production of complex optical components, serving as a technical authority for specification, fabrication, measurement, and testing.
• Advanced knowledge of transport phenomena and chemical kinetics to diagnose and resolve complex performance or yield issues in production environments.
• Advanced experience in pilot-plant-scale operations and process development, including design of experiments, scale-up strategy, and risk mitigation for transition to full production.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and influence a set of scientists, contractors, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff toward common objectives.

Qualifications We Desire

• Working knowledge of optical metrology software used to analyze optical metrology configurations for component testing.
• Advanced knowledge in ISO 10110 optical specifications.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

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