How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The ZEUS Laser Facility in the College of Engineering is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Laser Engineer Senior will maintain the day-to-day operations of the ZEUS laser system and assist in the operation of the ZEUS target areas technical and project support for current and future high power laser experiments and instrument development projects.

The ZEUS laser facility is a high power laser facility at the UM College of Engineering funded by the National Science Foundation that serves as a user facility for scientists from academia and national laboratories from around the world. As part of its mission the facility provides technical support and instrumentation development for experiments conducted at ZEUS as well as at other laser facilities.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

Actively participate in the alignment, operation and maintenance of the ZEUS laser facility.

Other responsibilities include the ability to:

High power (Class IV) laser alignment, operation and maintenance
Inspect, disassemble, repair, refurbish and test laser optics and optical assemblies in a controlled laboratory environment
Perform inspections, repairs, alignments, calibrations, and other testing of laboratory equipment
Participate in installation, testing, and commissioning of the ZEUS vacuum system
Maintain ZEUS vacuum systems including roughing vacuum pumps, turbo pumps and vacuum gauges
Develop quotes, order parts for laser and vacuum systems
Perform and coordinate written and verbal communications regarding laser and optical systems
Perform, review, and maintain data entry for operational log systems
Properly use and maintain cleanroom facility and equipment
Read, understand, and maintain library of documentation on lasers and optics, and laboratory diagnostic and vacuum equipment
Train new staff members and student on laser operation, optics handling practices and maintenance procedures
Occasionally operate and maintain machine shop equipment
Occasionally program in CAD/CAM using proprietary software
Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree required in physics, optics or engineering with 5 or more years of full-time laboratory work experience.
Experience with vacuum systems, vacuum components, instrumentation and associated test equipment (e.g., leak detectors, RGA's etc.).
Problem-solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, anticipate next steps and prioritize important decisions.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff and students.
Good organizational and prioritizing skills.
Attention to details in workplace, especially with optics.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.)
Able to effectively use the internet.
Proficient in the use of a wide variety of hand tools and testing equipment.
Able to use chemical solvents including but not limited to acetic aide, acetone, and isopropyl alcohol while performing daily duties.
Proficient in reading and comprehending technical information as presented in equipment manuals or in electronic media.
Ability to accurately document technical data.
Experience performing physical job tasks safely. This includes but is not limited to moving and transporting equipment up to 50lbs, and pushing and pulling up to 35 pounds, positioning to service and maintain equipment and can be in a stationary position (up to 8 hours).
Must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Resourceful; able to discern who to call for assistance based on the technical situation at hand.

Desired Qualifications*

Masters or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Optics
Using and troubleshooting with oscillators and chirped pulse amplifiers (CPA)
Extensive knowledge with components and specifications in optics and opto-mechanics
Experience with writing publications

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.