Laser Safety Specialist (Global EHS)
Russell Tobin is seeking an experienced Laser Safety Specialist to support a leading global technology company within its Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) organization. This is an exciting opportunity to work in advanced hardware research and development environments, ensuring compliance with laser and radiation safety standards while partnering with cross-functional engineering and research teams.
Job Details
Job Title: Laser Safety Specialist
Job Type: 5-Month W2 Contract
Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite)
Pay Rate: $85-$89/hour, depending on experience
Schedule: Contract (40 hours/week)
Position Overview
This role will primarily support the Laser and Radiation Safety program through laboratory inspections, hazard assessments, equipment reviews, laser exposure calculations, and implementation of safety controls for employees working with lasers, LEDs, and X-ray generating equipment.
Approximately 80% of the role focuses on Laser Safety Officer (LSO) responsibilities and 20% supports Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) activities.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in hardware R&D or laboratory environments and is passionate about maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient research operations.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct laboratory inspections to ensure compliance with laser and radiation safety requirements.
Review research experiments, new equipment purchases, and hardware designs involving lasers, LEDs, and X-ray generating devices.
Perform laser exposure calculations, including MPE, NOHD, and NHZ analyses.
Conduct laser power, spectral, and temporal measurements.
Develop, review, and approve laser safety procedures, SOPs, and hazard documentation.
Perform X-ray leakage surveys and support radiation safety compliance activities.
Review and approve work completed by external laser service providers.
Recommend corrective actions and assist in resolving safety compliance issues.
Partner with engineering, research, and EHS teams to implement effective safety controls.
Support additional EHS initiatives including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, chemical safety, electrical safety, and laboratory safety as needed.
Travel occasionally to support additional laboratory locations.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optical Sciences, Engineering, Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, or a related discipline.
Equivalent experience as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum 5 years of experience as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
Experience working with lasers, LEDs, and X-ray generating equipment.
Experience performing safety investigations, failure analysis, or technical evaluations.
Strong understanding of laser hazard analysis and laboratory safety practices.
Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder collaboration skills.
Required Technical Skills
Proficiency with ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Experience with IEC 60825 and IEC 62471
Knowledge of FDA/CDRH FLPPS (21 CFR 1040.10/11)
Familiarity with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) X-ray regulations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience serving as both a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
Experience supporting hardware research, engineering, or product development laboratories.
Knowledge of FDA/CDRH reporting requirements.
Experience performing laser safety calculations including:
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD)
Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ)
Experience conducting FMEA and Fault Tree Analysis.
Board of Laser Safety Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) certification.
Experience with RF/EMF safety or ultrasound safety is a plus.
What We're Looking For
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently in fast-paced research environments.
Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to safety and compliance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, research, and operations teams.
If you are an experienced Laser Safety professional looking to support cutting-edge research and technology development in a collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you!
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Russell Tobin offers eligible employee's comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home insurance, pet insurance and employee discounts with preferred vendors.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Russell Tobin is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Fair Chance Employment
Russell Tobin is a Fair Chance employer. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and ordinances, including, the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local Fair Chance ordinances.
Accommodations
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact us.
Only applicable for San Francisco Candidates: Under the San Francisco Lactation in the Workplace Ordinance, we will provide written notice of lactation accommodation rights, and this notice will automatically be given upon hiring, any inquiry of parental leave or lactation accommodation.