Laser Scientist (f/m/x)

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Department: Infrastructure

The impact you will make

As a Laser Scientist at our new Fort Collins, CO facility, you will play a critical hands-on role in establishing the laboratory infrastructure, deploying Marvel Fusion’s ultra-high-intensity laser systems, and designing next-generation lasers and experiments.  

Beyond laser installation and laboratory commissioning, you will help set up laboratory spaces, equipment, workflows, and safety processes—turning an empty facility into a fully operational laser lab. You will also regularly travel to other Marvel Fusion and partner sites, primarily within the US and occasionally worldwide, to support system integration, commissioning, and experimental campaigns.  You will also play a hands-on role in developing new laser and optical technologies to support the development of laser-driven inertial fusion. 

This role is ideal for scientists who enjoy building things from scratch, developing cutting-edge technology, working on-site, traveling frequently, and taking ownership of real-world technical challenges. 

Your responsibilities

• Facility & Lab Setup  
  • Coordinate and support the build-out of a new laser laboratory, including lab layout, equipment installation, utilities coordination, and infrastructure readiness 
  • Design and construct key laboratory sub-systems including optical diagnostics, vacuum systems, and cleanroom facilities
  • Coordinate and support the build-out of a new laser laboratory, including lab layout, equipment installation, utilities coordination, and infrastructure readiness
• Laser Installation & Operations
  • Assist with the design, setup, and testing of next-generation diode-pumped laser systems and associated diagnostics and experimental equipment 
  • Support installation, alignment, and integration of high-power, ultrafast laser subsystems
  • Carry out commissioning, acceptance testing, and performance validation of laser systems
  • Ensure efficient laser operation and develop routine diagnostics, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for technicians 
  • Operate laser systems and diagnostics during experimental and development campaigns
  • Assist in the design and execution of laser-matter interaction experiments
• Travel & Collaboration  
  • Travel frequently to other Marvel Fusion and partner facilities—primarily within the US and occasionally internationally—to support installations, commissioning, and experiments
  • Collaborate closely with laser engineers, experimental physicists, facility teams, and external partners
  • Gather and report field data and lessons learned to help refine system designs and facility operations
• Documentation & R&D Support  
  • Contribute to documentation such as operating procedures, alignment guides, safety documentation, and maintenance logs
  • Participate in R&D activities including continuing technology development, prototype construction and testing, optical assembly, and component evaluation

What you bring

• PhD degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Laser Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field 
• Extensive hands-on experience with ultrafast or high-power laser systems through research, internships, or industry roles 
• Practical skills in optical alignment, optomechanical setup, and safe laser operation 
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, spectrometers, autocorrelators, or energy/power meters 
• Comprehensive understanding of ultrafast laser principles, nonlinear optics, and physical optics beam propagation 
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style 
• Proactive, hands-on mindset with comfort working in evolving, sometimes unstructured environments
• Strong willingness and flexibility to travel extensively and work on-site at different locations 

What sets you apart

• Experience helping set up laboratories, test facilities, or new experimental spaces 
• Background in field engineering, technical service, commissioning, or operations roles 
• Exposure to Joule-class CPA/OPCPA systems, diode-pumped lasers, and large-aperture lasers 
• Familiarity with laser safety standards and lab safety best practices 
• Prior experience working in cleanroom environments and knowledge of cleanroom procedures 
• Experience with automation or controls tools (LabVIEW, Python, EPICS, PLC systems) 
• Ability to design mechanical parts using CAD software and practical mechanical fabrication knowledge
• Comfort working in startup or fast-changing environments 

The pay range for this position is: $100,000 - $148,256 per year.

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Marvel Fusion, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

What we offer

• An opportunity to make a huge impact on the future of our planet by making clean, safe, and abundant energy possible.
• Flexible working hours-wise and work environment.
• A highly competitive compensation and benefits package including:
  • Premiere Health, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and their families
  • Short‑term and Long‑term disability
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • 30 days PTO: 20 paid vacation days, up to 10 sick days
  • 11 Company‑wide holidays
  • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave