New

Senior Optical Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Feb 28, 2026
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Senior Optical Scientist to join its team with experience in research, design and problem solving in a collaborative environment. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu. This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California. The successful candidate will be working alongside the current optics lead and support them with the management of the existing team. The individual will report to the most senior engineers at LIGO Lab. Given how important core optics and optical coatings are for LIGO today and LIGO tomorrow this is an important position and offers the individual an important role within LIGO Lab. This is an exciting opportunity to work with world-leading scientists and engineers on cutting-edge science. This selected candidate will be a vital part of our talented team, helping to lead LIGO into the future. A full list of the job duties including opportunities for creativity, direction and planning are listed below. Essential Job Duties Perform optical design and analysis. Conducting research on optical designs and optical coatings. Direct and assist with testing, analysis, and oversight of precision optical metrology instruments to test hypotheses and gather data. Support the operation and maintenance of world-class, precision optical characterization and metrology facilities. Develop optical specifications, policies, and procedures. Provide technical expert support for multi-million-dollar contracts with optics and coating fabricators providing cutting edge technology that enables LIGO's extreme sensitivity. Provide ongoing modifications and solution alternatives to meet current and future research and observatory requirements Conceptualize the design and direct the development of enhanced measurement techniques and improved optics. Diagnose and design solutions and modifications in response to optic, optical equipment or component malfunctions and failures. Support the current lead with overseeing the Caltech Optical Sciences Group, including technical, budget, resource, and task management Provide technical guidance as well as technical oversight to matrixed engineering and science staff working on optics, opto-electronics, and interferometry. Communicate (written and verbal) technical progress and budget/resource status on various projects, internally within the organization and externally to parties outside the organization Take on people-management responsibilities and coach junior staff, encourage professional development, conduct annual reviews and nurture the team. Other Duties as Assigned Basic Qualifications BS in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering. A minimum of 10 years of experience with high precision optics and high value optical component procurement. A minimum of 10 years of experience in technical leadership/management. Comprehensive knowledge of optical design, analysis, and testing for interferometry. Experience directly using scientific observation and analysis, creative thinking, and method development to solve problems related to optics and optical systems. Thorough knowledge of precision optical fabrication and coating practices. Significant experience with precision optical metrology. Significant experience with technical specifications and support for contracting optical fabrication. Preferred Qualifications Masters or a PhD. in a related field. Significant experience in technical supervision of a group of 5 or more staff. Experience in project management including use of MS Project for project management and planning. History of working in and with International Collaborations with Optical scientists and other professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers, physicists, and research scientists, to invent original concepts for optical products and improve existing devices. Required Documents Resume. Cover Letter is a required document for this position. Please summarize your relevant experience and your interest in working at LIGO Lab. Hiring Range $134,000 - $165,000 per year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.