Senior Laser Engineer

About Limelight Steel

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 for cheaper than fossil-based methods.

We are a startup in Oakland, CA, backed by industry-leading climate tech investors, looking to grow our team. We are committed to building a diverse and courageous team of people motivated to make a positive impact on the world. We want to hire kind and supportive teammates who have the perseverance to achieve our audacious goal of decarbonizing steel.

Position Summary

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

Benefits

• Competitive stock option package

• Comprehensive health benefits that include:

• Full premium coverage for PPO Gold for employees with 80% coverage for dependents

• Full premium coverage for Vision and Dental for employees

• Generous time-off schedule

• 20 days paid time off (accrued according to number of hours worked)

• 10 holidays (personalized to the holidays you observe)

• Sustainable 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

• 2x weekly catered team lunches

• A team of curious, passionate, kind, and courageous people committed to eliminating industrial emissions that contribute to climate change

• Unparalleled opportunities for growth, leadership, and project ownership in a dynamic and rapidly-growing startup company

Compensation

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