Laser / Optical Engineer Online applications must be received before 12:00am on: November 12, 2024 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 dynami