Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer

We have an opening for a Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer with expertise in semiconductor laser diodes. You will define develop and deploy high power laser diode arrays.  You will have an advanced understanding of semiconductor optoelectronics to specify design and oversee deployment of high-power laser diode arrays and work to determine requirements set specifications and address array technology options including thermal management and electronic drivers.  You will work with LLNL team members to expand the vision for continued development of diode laser technology. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level (SES.2 or SES.3) based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at that level.

In this role you will

• Work under limited direction with moderate responsibility use comprehensive knowledge and exercise independent judgment to determine methods and recommend improvements within established frameworks and contribute to the fulfillment of project and organizational goals.
• Provide engineering support for the design build and execution of laboratory experiments for characterizing high power semiconductor diode lasers.
• Assist in maintaining test instrumentation cross-calibration documenting test procedures archiving test results updating analysis software and defining appropriate database reports.
• Perform data analysis of test results and write analysis codes in support as needed.
• Participate in performing optical electronic and thermal modeling in support of experimental efforts.
• Contribute to the LLNL technical team on diode laser pump development and procurement contracts; collaborate closely with the laser team to ensure successful on-time deployment of the diode pump subsystem.
• Prepare and author moderately complex technical documents and presentations.
• Support engineering operations and participate in defining process improvements.
• Contribute to research into new approaches to record high power semiconductor diode lasers.
• Select methods techniques and evaluation criteria to recommend improvements and conduct moderately complex experiments to characterize subcomponents.
• Participate in the fielding of these new systems on Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) physics platforms and other high-energy laser platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level:

• 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.
• Design build and commission a large range of complex semiconductor laser characterization tools and experiments.
• Design and execute complex experiments to characterize laser diode components.
• Develop implement and utilize advanced data analysis and simulation software to support experimental goals and provide solutions to complex problems.
• Guide the completion of a project establish project objectives and strategy and influence technical direction by applying high-level technical concepts and techniques to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.
• Conduct advanced research into novel approaches to  enhance laser diode technology in conjunction with both university and industrial partners.
• Specify procure evaluate and deploy commercially available laser diode arrays on LLNL systems.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelors degree  in Electrical Engineering or Physics or a relevant technical field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Comprehensive level knowledge of semiconductor devices laser physics and optics.
• Demonstrated practical experience utilizing optics and laboratory instrumentation to conduct experiments in the area of optoelectronic devices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with the theory and use of laser diodes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with laser diode micro-optics opto-electronic device packaging and  moderately complex reliability engineering principles.
• Experience identifying defining and solving multi-disciplinary problems in a timely cost-effective manner.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment including the ability to prepare technical reports deliver presentations and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience with high power diode lasers laser physics and optics.
• Significant experience with complex opto-electronic device simulation laser diode characterization and/or optical simulation.
• Advanced communication facilitation and collaboration skills necessary to present and explain technical information and provide advice to senior management and/or external sponsors.
• Significant experience interacting and cooperating with all levels of technical staff managers and vendors.
• Significant experience defining scope from often not well defined and/or rapidly changing requirements including demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent needs.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics. Experience with high power laser diode arrays laser diode simulation software laser diode current driver requirements III-V semiconductor fabrication and materials technologies and/or opto-electronic component packaging.
• Experience with characterization of compound semiconductor optoelectronic devices and materials such as GaAs InP and/or GaN.
• Familiarity with epitaxial growth and material characterization techniques such as MOCVD MBE XRD PL ECV AFM SEM. Hall effect and/or SIMS.
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes such as PECVD RIE ICP wet etch photolithography and/or evaporation.
• Familiarity with the high-power laser diode industry or employment experience at an industrial manufacturer or end-user of laser diode components.
• Experience in writing technical specifications and statements of work.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 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 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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  Employment Type :

  Full-time