We have an opening for an Optical Fabrication Scientist to develop and fabricate novel full scale optic prototypes such as phase plates, freeform optics, and system wavefront correctors. You will work with advanced optical fabrication techniques to push the state of the art in fabrication methods to enable new and higher precision optical components for LLNL missions as well as for technology transfer to industry. This position is in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) Optics & Target Materials Group within the Materials Science Division.

This position will be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Define and perform cutting edge fabrication routes using multi-axis computer numerical control (CNC) grinders and polishers, magnetorheological finishing (MRF) polishing, and novel interferometric metrology methods.
• Design and manufacture state-of-the-art optics to meet the ever-increasing demands of advanced laser and imaging systems.
• Provide solutions to unusual, complex, and/or sensitive issues/problems where the solution path is not known ahead of time.
• Develop solutions that require engineering rigor and consultation with management to meet strategic needs and actively participate in immediate project planning.
• Collaborate with technicians, management, and other scientists in a multidisciplinary environment to achieve project goals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Provide broad consultative/strategic direction for projects.
• Lead the application and development of optical fabrication principles, theories, and concepts beyond the current state of the technology.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• MS in Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering discipline with emphasis on optics or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge and technical experience in the use of CNC sub-aperture tool grinders, CNC sub-aperture tool polishers, and/or MRF polishing
• Significant experience in optics design, manufacturing, and metrology, including interferometry.
• Significant experience with materials interactions during grinding and mechanical & chemical polishing
• Significant experience in developing process flow work instructions using measured data
• Significant experience in measuring and evaluating optic specifications (scratch/dig, wavefront, power spectral density (PSD), roughness, and Zernike terms)
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to management and external stakeholders.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative research and development environment.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Expert knowledge in optical fabrication techniques.
• Significant experience working independently and ability to provide technical leadership to guide projects to completion.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering discipline with emphasis on optics or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.