Laser / Optical Engineer

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

January 2, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1468-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Project Engineer

Business Title:

Laser / Optical Engineer

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

As the Laser / Optical Engineer, you will support the research activities at a first-of-a-kind experimental user facility: Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory. The DCS, dedicated to time-resolved, x-ray measurements under dynamic compression, is operated by WSU. You will perform hands-on experimental work and operate/maintain the 100-Joule Laser System to ensure optimal performance and the development of new capabilities. The DCS research activities involve state-of-the-art, dynamic compression experiments that utilize x-ray and optical measurements on nanosecond time-scales to understand the response of materials at extreme thermodynamic conditions.

This position is in Lemont, Illinois.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Independent operation of the 100-Joule laser for laser-shock research activities, including quantifying and archiving the laser performance for each shot.

• Contribute to the design and conduct of laser-shock experiments, and work with scientific users. 

• Working with the laser team, document and maintain safe operating procedures related to the laser and its control areas at the DCS.

• Participate in the design, development, and use of optical equipment and systems for laser-interferometry measurements and other laser-based diagnostics, including data reduction and analysis. 

• Work with the DCS users to prepare for experiments in advance. This includes providing guidelines for experimental design, personnel safety, and equipment operating procedures.

• Contribute effectively to all aspects of research projects including assistance to DCS users; optimal and safe operations of the experimental facilities; ensure availability of experimental components, equipment, and supplies; enhancement of experimental capabilities; and working effectively in a team setting to advance the DCS research mission. 

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field with a strong experimental background in lasers and optics. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

• Demonstrated technical expertise and strong hands-on ability with the design, fabrication, and optimization of nonlinear optical systems, instruments, and associated diagnostic equipment. 

• Strong interest in being involved in all aspects of DCS user experiments. 

• Considerable skill and knowledge of hardware and software required to support user experiments on a large-scale laser. 

• Good computer skills, including experience with programs for instrument control and analysis, such as LabView and Matlab. Experience with optical design software is useful but not required (e.g., Zemax).

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, necessary to interact with team members and users to effectively present research objectives and documentation.

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment, as needed. 

• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, attention to detail, positive attitude, and accountability. 

• Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience at a synchrotron.

• Experience in research related to dynamic compression experiments.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics / Dynamic Compression Sector
City, State, Zip: Lemont, IL 60439-4803

Department Link: Dynamic Compression Sector Webpage
Monthly Salary: $6,667 - $8,391 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary refl