Laser Instrumentation Technician

Verus Research is searching for a Laser Instrumentation Technician to support high-energy laser (HEL) destructive testing and modeling and simulation. The Laser Instrumentation Technician will install, align, calibrate, operate, and maintain diagnostic and data-acquisition systems used in laboratory and field HEL effects tests, ensuring accurate measurements that meet program-specific test objectives.  The preferred candidate should also have strong hands-on experience with laser diagnostics, target-response instrumentation, and the delivery of quality test data to modeling and simulation teams.

The Laser Instrumentation Technician will have a strong foundation in laser diagnostics, instrumentation, and test operations, with demonstrated experience setting up and aligning optical and electronic measurement systems that incorporate components such as mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, cameras, power meters, and alignment systems. The candidate should be proficient with electronic and optical test equipment and data-acquisition systems, and capable of keeping high-energy laser facilities instrumented, calibrated, and operating safely. Verus Research is committed to solving our customer’s most challenging technical problems and seeks solution-oriented individuals to enhance our team’s ability to thrive in this role. This posting is for work in Albuquerque, NM, located on Kirtland Air Force Base.

Primary responsibilities include developing and executing instrumentation layouts for complex test configurations, selecting and installing sensors and optical diagnostics, troubleshooting alignment and data-quality issues, and resolving system anomalies during test. The candidate is also expected to reduce first-look data, document test configuration, and support the local metrology laboratories that focus on laser coupling, beam characterization, and related measurements used to anchor effects models.

The ideal candidate for the Laser Instrumentation Technician role will possess a strong mix of initiative, analytical skill, relevant hands-on experience, and the ability to communicate clearly with scientists, engineers, and modelers. They will be comfortable translating experimental objectives into practical instrumentation setups, adapting diagnostic configurations to evolving test requirements, and developing practical solutions to challenging laser effects testing problems. Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced research environment are essential.

Success in this demanding role will stem from:

• US Citizen
• Experience installing, aligning, and operating instrumentation on high-energy or high-power laser systems.
• Proficiency with data-acquisition systems and test equipment such as power meters, beam profilers, and high-speed cameras.
• Experience with beam characterization techniques, thermal and high-speed diagnostics, and laser instrumentation.
• Knowledge of laser-material interaction, destructive effects testing, and laser-induced damage mechanisms.
• Familiarity with motion control systems, opto-mechanical hardware, and precision alignment techniques.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z136 laser safety standards and operation of Class 4 laser systems.
• Experience supporting DoD directed energy or survivability/vulnerability testing and associated modeling and simulation.

Work Location: In-person, Albuquerque, NM, USA
**Job Type:**Full-time
Salary: $110,000 - $120,000 per year
Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities
• Signing bonus

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Unlimited Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Participation in Radiance Technologies ESOP

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday