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Careers at LIGO Laboratory

Current Vacancies

At this time, LIGO has a number of exciting open positions in support of current LIGO operations and R&D, developing the next generation of gravitational wave detectors, and public outreach. Included in the listings below are two vacuum positions and an electrical engineering lead (LHO), a mechanical designer/drafter and a senior optical scientist (Caltech), and a rare opportunity to lead one of LIGO’s outreach teams (LLO). The vacuum positions at LIGO Hanford, in particular, present a great opportunity for two individuals to join the LIGO family at an important crossroads between current and future gravitational-wave observatories.

A brief description of each job is provided below. Clicking on a link for any job will redirect you to its posting with full description and instructions for applying.

For more information about Postdoctoral opportunities at LIGO Laboratory, visit the Postdoctoral Positions page.

LIGO Hanford Observatory

Creating and maintaining pristine vacuum systems is essential to not only current gravitational wave observatories like LIGO but also as we look to future GW observatories like Cosmic Explorer. In support of this effort, LIGO Laboratory has two open positions for individuals with vacuum experience and related skills. Both of these positions are in-person roles located in Hanford, Washington.

Note: Candidates who believe themselves eligible are encouraged to apply for both positions.

1. Vacuum Lead: LIGO Laboratory seeks a highly motivated and skilled LHO Vacuum Equipment Group Leader to join its team. In this role, you will:

Maintain the Observatory vacuum system and support facilities; initiate, plan and execute changes to this system; monitor system performance.
Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to optimize UHV performance of in-vacuo scientific apparatus and to minimize risks of contamination.

For more details and to apply, please visit Vacuum Lead

2. LIGO Vacuum Engineer - CEBEX: LIGO Laboratory seeks a highly motivated, skilled and experienced vacuum engineer with a strong background in both chemistry and solid state physics as they apply to UHV systems. In this role you will:

Be a key member of the team who designs the planned 120m demonstration tube.
Develop systems requirements / specifications and statements of work for procurement of necessary materials.

For more details and to apply, please visit LIGO Vacuum Engineer - CEBEX

Also at LIGO Hanford Observatory:

Electrical Engineering Lead: The Electrical Engineering (EE) Lead is responsible for coordinating a small team of engineers and technicians in the design, testing, installation, and maintenance of low noise analog/digital electronics.

LIGO Livingston Observatory

LIGO Science Education Center Program Leader: Reporting to the observatory head, the LIGO Science Education Center program leader actively leads LIGO Livingston’s education and public outreach team to fulfill the center’s mission to inspire a sense of wonder, engage curiosity, and encourage the future Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) workforce.

LIGO Caltech

LIGO Project Mechanical Designer/Drafter: As a mechanical designer / draftsperson working on the LIGO project, this individual will provide mechanical design, drafting, and detailing expertise with the SolidWorks CAD software in support of the development of bid packages and manufacturing drawings for LIGO designs.

Senior Optical Scientist: The successful candidate will work alongside the current optics lead, supporting them with managing the existing team. The individual will report to the most senior engineers at LIGO Lab. Given the crucial roles that core optics and optical coatings play in LIGO today and LIGO tomorrow, this position offers individuals an important role within LIGO Lab.

LIGO MIT

No open LIGO Laboratory positions at this time

Caltech Notices of Intent can be found here.

If you are interested in working for LIGO at other collaborating universities, check your preferred partner-institution's job postings. For a list of collaborating institutions, see LSC Member Institutions.