Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
CI
California Institute of Technology
Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
Career Insights for Nuclear Safety Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Nuclear Safety Engineer oversees operations and maintains the safety of nuclear power systems, including nuclear power plants, ships or other plants that use nuclear technology. Develops and documents nuclear safety procedures. Reviews nuclear plant construction design and maintenance. Oversees handling of nuclear waste and monitors compliance with safety regulations.
$151,378 / year median in California
+9% projected growth
Job Description
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 The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) leads the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the Institute's Laser Safety Program, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards (ANSI Z136 Series, Cal/OSHA, and institutional policies) while supporting the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) mission. Reporting to the Director of Research Safety, the LSO partners with the research community to provide laser safety training, consultations, risk assessments, and hazard mitigation guidance. The position requires a background in physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field, with practical laboratory experience. The LSO also supports the broader EH&S program, including the Laboratory Safety Program and may provide cross-functional support for Radiation Safety and Electrical Safety programs. Through general laboratory safety inspections, incident investigations, and collaboration with assigned departments and safety committees, the LSO identifies hazards and implements measures to promote a safe and compliant research environment. Job Duties Serve as the designated institutional Laser Safety Officer in accordance with ANSI Z136.1, managing all aspects of laser safety compliance and associated safety documentation. Stay current with evolving regulations, standards, and emerging technologies in laser and optical safety. Develop, implement, and maintain written programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training related to laser use in laboratories, machine shops, and instructional settings. Conduct hazard assessments and safety inspections of laser laboratories and other research facilities to identify hazardous conditions and recommend solutions to mitigate workplace hazards. Develop metrics to measure overall laser safety program performance and facilitate continuous improvement. Provide guidance on new laser installations and modifications, and laboratory renovation design, ensuring appropriate engineering and administrative controls. Assist with incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of training, inspections, incidents, and corrective actions. Participate in rotating on-call response duties and support real-time incident mitigation efforts. Serve as a certified member of the campus