Senior Optical Project Engineer

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$168,780 - $256,824 Annually

$168,780 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.3 level

$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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.

Job Description

We are seeking Senior Optical Project Engineers to lead innovative engineering projects in optical diagnostics, optomechanical systems, and high-power laser technologies. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge optical systems and components for scientific, defense, and industrial applications. You will manage projects that require expertise in optical engineering, systems engineering, computational simulation, precision design, advanced manufacturing, prototype development, and rigorous testing.  This is an opportunity to work on impactful projects that advance optical diagnostics and technologies in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate, supporting the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

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.
• Manage engineering projects in optical diagnostics, owning schedules and deliverables while following systems engineering frameworks.
• Lead and guide technical teams to define, develop, and deliver critical optical systems and components while ensuring alignment with project schedules and budgets.
• Prioritize and coordinate with multifunctional teams to ensure tasks are completed on time while adhering to SSQE (Safety, Security, Quality, and Efficiency) principles.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to develop solutions to complex optical engineering challenges and provide technical guidance to team members.
• Prepare, deliver, and explain written and verbal presentations of technical work to stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach team members, assisting in fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Ensure quality standards are met for all deliverables and leverage team expertise to complete complex projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts, to resolve a diverse range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Champion large-scale, multidisciplinary efforts that align with long-term organizational goals and expand the impact of projects.
• Collaborate with sponsors, customers, and industry partners to address needs and drive project success as a SME.
• Establish project vision and strategy and influence technical direction to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent c