Senior Laser & Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Senior Laser & Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Location: Denver, CO
Start Date: ASAP
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Pay Rate: $50-65/hr DoE
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As a Senior Laser & Opto-Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, integration, and operation of advanced pulsed laser systems and high-precision opto-mechanical assemblies that support deep-UV high-energy laser beam transport and inertial fusion energy initiatives.

This is a hands-on, highly collaborative engineering role. You"ll work closely with optical, mechanical, and controls engineers to take complex laser and opto-mechanical systems from concept through testing and sustained operation. We are seeking someone with deep technical expertise, strong system ownership, and the ability to solve challenging problems in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities:
* Design, modify, operate, and maintain advanced pulsed laser systems (solid-state and gas).
* Improve beam quality by specifying, sourcing, and integrating optical components and high-damage-threshold optics.
* Design precision opto-mechanical components-including mirror mounts, optical hardware, and alignment structures-using SolidWorks.
* Perform FEA to evaluate mechanical, thermal, vibrational, and stress impacts on optical surfaces.
* Lead and execute laser-based experiments, spectroscopic measurements, and pulse diagnostics (ns/fs).
* Calibrate and operate laser characterization tools, ensuring accurate and artifact-free data collection.
* Develop technical procedures and train technicians on system alignment and maintenance.
* Integrate optical and mechanical subsystems; establish alignment references for lenses and mirrors.
* Create and maintain interface control documents for optical and mechanical assemblies.
* Support procurement, installation, testing, and qualification of system hardware.
* Troubleshoot complex technical issues across laser, optical, and mechanical systems.
* Work hands-on in optics labs performing alignment, integration, diagnostics, and system testing.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system-level performance requirements are met.

Qualifications:
* Bachelor"s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
* 6+ years of direct experience in pulsed laser systems, opto-mechanical design, or precision optical system integration.
* Advanced knowledge of pulsed laser operation, laser characterization, and nonlinear optical processes.
* Proficiency in mechanical design software (SolidWorks preferred).
* Experience performing FEA for mechanical, thermal, and vibrational analysis.
* Hands-on experience specifying, aligning, and operating optics, detectors, spectrometers, and related scientific equipment.
* Strong troubleshooting ability for complex laser and opto-mechanical systems.
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

Desired:
* M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields.
* 10-15+ years of laser and opto-mechanical engineering experience.
* Experience with deep-UV laser systems, Ti:Sapphire lasers, pulse shaping, or spectral shaping.
* Experience with high-damage-threshold optics and vacuum systems.
* Background in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and complex data analysis.
* Experience designing or integrating active optical mounts (slow/fast steering mirrors).
* Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or LabVIEW.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via the apply now link provided. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed. Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at Belcan.com

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.