Senior Optical Project Engineer

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.

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 eitherlevel 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 theSES.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.

• 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 combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced level knowledge in optical engineering disciplines with significant experience in project planning and technical leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex technical problems, lead corrective actions when needed, and influence multiple phases of the project lifecycle.
• Advanced communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills to effectively present and advise senior management and external sponsors.
• Experience working with technical staff, managers, stakeholders, and vendors at all levels.
• Leadership experience managing small, multidisciplinary teams.

Additional qualifications at theSES.4 level

• Significant experience leading large, dynamic projects and multi-organization efforts that positively impact long-term organizational goals.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills to influence and advise senior management and external sponsors effectively.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in optical engineering, physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in leading complex engineering projects.
• Certification in Project Management, such as PMP or Systems Engineering certification.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver innovative solutions, including expertise in optical systems engineering, optomechanics, opto-electronics, precision design, or advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of building effective collaborations across internal teams, sponsors, and industry partners.

#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!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams:https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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