Laser & Optics Electronics Specialist

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$79,300.00-$112,767.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position does not provide relocation or referral bonus.
 

About the Role:
Fermilab is seeking a Laser Controls & Integration Specialist with a strong foundation in electrical engineering and industrial controls, along with preferred experience in laser optics systems, to join the Accelerator Directorate’s Beam Instrumentation Department. In this role, you will design, implement, and maintain electronic and control systems that integrate precision laser technologies for beam diagnostics and instrumentation. The ideal candidate will have expertise in electronics, automation, and optical control/alignment to support high-performance accelerator operations.

This position is a 2-year term position with an option for an additional year extension.

What your day-to-day as a Laser & Optics Electronics Specialist will look like:

• Design and develop industrial control systems for laser-based equipment and processes, including but not limited to programing and troubleshooting motorized laser optics components and cameras
• Integrate laser optics components into automated systems, ensuring precision alignment and calibration to optimize system performance as well as interfacing with safety interlocks
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and optical engineers to support installation, commissioning, and maintenance of laser-integrated system 
• Implement safety protocols for laser operations and industrial automation.
• Analyze system performance and recommend improvements for efficiency and reliability.
• Analyzes data and performs engineering calculations. Develops less complicated designs of specific parts, components, or phases of a project. 
• Develops and documents basic to moderately complex engineering design solutions. 
• Provides technical direction to draftspersons, designers, engineering associates and technicians, as assigned. 
• Participates in or leads aspects of procurement, manufacturing, installation, testing, and operation. 
• Assists in the development of cost estimates, as well as the monitoring of budgetary obligations. 
• With review and approval of supervisor, propose resources, ensuring conformance to specifications and cost/time constraints. 
• Serves on safety panels, review committees, and other subcommittees as assigned. 
• May participate in technical conferences and publication.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor’s in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 2+ years of fundamental engineering experience, or a Master’s or PhD in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Proficient in applying engineering theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of circuit analysis, including time-domain and frequency-domain characterization.
• Working knowledge and experience analyzing grounding and EMI/EMC issues in high-power or sensitive environments and implementing corrective measures.
• Working knowledge of signal integrity, noise analysis (SNR, harmonic distortion), temperature stability, and proper signal wiring/termination practices.
• Experience developing and interpreting formal drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Proficient in using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters (DVM), pulse generators, and function generators.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, learn and apply new concepts, and solve complex problems effectively.

Other Skills for Success:

• Experience in designing electronic systems for industrial controls and automation.
• Proficiency in PLC or microcontroller programming, Python scripting, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with laser optics systems and optical alignment techniques.
• Familiarity with laser safety standards (ANSI Z136) and electrical safety practices.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. 

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits 
• Onsite day care
   

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.