Senior Laser Engineer (San Francisco)

Limelight Steel is on a mission to eliminate emissions from iron and steelmaking and build a brighter future. 8% of global CO2 emissions come from current fossil‑based steelmaking processes – the largest source of industrial emissions today. Limelight Steel’s electrified ironmaking technology has the potential to eliminate those emissions, significantly reduce energy use, and produce iron cheaper than fossil‑based methods.

Position Summary

As our Senior Laser Engineer, you will build and commission Limelight’s 150 kW laser and optical systems for our pilot laser furnace, and lead the development of our >1 MW laser module for our commercial‑scale laser furnaces.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Key Qualifications

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years hands‑on experience designing, building, and commissioning high‑power (>1 kW) 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.

Compensation

Salary range for this role is $165,000–185,000, plus meaningful equity. Final compensation will be based on experience.

Apply Here