Laser / Optical Engineer

Available Title(s):

1468-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Project Engineer

Business Title:

Laser / Optical Engineer

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

We are seeking to hire a strongly self-motivated, talented Laser Optical Engineer to support the research activities at a first-of-a-kind experimental user facility: The Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will perform hands-on work and operate/maintain the 100J laser system to ensure optimal performance and 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 under extreme thermodynamic conditions.

Representative Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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 Science
Department Name: Dynamic Compression Sector
City, State, Zip: 9700 S. Cass Ave, Bldg 438F/F001, Lemont IL 60439
Department Link: Dynamic Compression Sector Webpage
Monthly Salary: $5,667-$7,304 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation .  WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .
Overtime Eligibility: This position is overtime exempt.
FTE: 100%
This is a temporary position in which the appointment is made on an annual basis. Subsequent renewals are anticipated because of the unique expertise required for this work and are based on performance, mutual consent, and the continuation of research funding. Long-term, multi-year research funding is expected.

Posting Close Date: This recruitment has been extended to close on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. Screening has begun and will remain ongoing until the vacancies have been filled.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application.

• Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Required Documents:

• Cover letter to the attention of Dr. Paulo Rigg explicitly addressing the qualifications for this position and date of availability.

• Resume

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .