Senior Laser Engineer

• Lead the build, integration, and commissioning of high-powered fiber coupled semiconductor lasers, optomechanics, optics, and optical-protection system for Limelight's pilot laser furnace.
• Optimize laser beam delivery (collimators, lenses, mirrors, windows, and optomechanics) to achieve the power density, uniformity, and stability required for iron and steelmaking.
• Work with engineering team to integrate lasers with the cooling, electrical, controls, and furnace systems.
• Develop laser alignment procedure, ensure laser safety testing, create commissioning and maintenance plans, and develop controls logic. Train engineers and technicians on safe operation, alignment, and maintenance of high-power laser systems.
• Lead development of next generation laser modules for our commercial 100 MW furnaces – translate process requirements into laser and optical specifications, and work with vendors to turn concept designs into reality.

This role directly contributes to eliminating emissions from iron and steelmaking, which accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions, by developing and implementing electrified laser furnace technology that significantly reduces energy use and produces iron more cheaply than fossil-based methods.

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience designing, building, and commissioning high-power (>1kW) laser systems.
• Strong capability to solve complex problems from first principles and move quickly from concept to working hardware.
• Experience with optical design tools (Zemax, CODE V) utilizing design, optimization and tolerancing features to translate simulations into manufacturable designs.
• Extensive experience in aligning complex optical systems and paths, defining alignment procedures and implementing them with high fidelity and repeatability requirements.
• Experience in working with optical component and assembly manufacturers, defining requirements, reviewing technical quotations, ordering and qualifying components per specs.
• Experience with optomechanical CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and working with machinists and fabricators to make custom components.

• Competitive stock option package
• Comprehensive health benefits that include:
  • Full premium coverage for PPO Gold for employees with 80% coverage for dependents
  • Full premium coverage for Vision and Dental for employees
• Generous time-off schedule:
  • 20 days paid time off (accrued according to number of hours worked)
  • 10 holidays (personalized to the holidays you observe)
• Sustainable 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• 2x weekly catered team lunches
• A team of curious, passionate, kind, and courageous people committed to eliminating industrial emissions that contribute to climate change
• Unparalleled opportunities for growth, leadership, and project ownership in a dynamic and rapidly-growing startup company
• Salary range for this role is $165,000-185,000, plus meaningful equity

Limelight Steel is on a mission to eliminate emissions from iron and steelmaking and build a brighter future. Their electrified ironmaking technology has the potential to eliminate 8% of global CO2 emissions from current fossil-based steelmaking processes, significantly reduce energy use, and produce iron for cheaper than fossil-based methods.