Saptarshi Mukherjee
September 4, 2025
What do you like about your job and/or about working at the Lab?
The main reason that I like working at the Lab is because I get to work on projects that are equally scientifically challenging and extremely impactful towards addressing the nation's needs. Additionally, the Lab inculcates a collaborative and fun work environment that has a positive influence on my job as well as my work-life balance.
What do your day-to-day work activities include?
- Leading and managing multiple projects and tasks.
- Mentoring postdocs and early career staff (representing the PLS mentoring program).
- Performing experiments and code-development for technical activities.
- Brainstorming with staff and project leads for future collaborative proposals.
What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?
I am the principal investigator of a project titled “Microwave Volumetric Additive Manufacturing.” We are developing an energy efficient, fast, and scalable microwave VAM (M-VAM) system that does not rely on layer-by-layer construction to print large, opaque complex ceramic parts, adopting a holistic approach that combines innovations in ceramic chemistry, microwave beamforming, and multi-scale modeling. Together with this team, we are revolutionizing 3D printing through microwave technology. The technology is being built to be able to quickly produce parts with large geometries and could be a game changer for additive manufacturing. Additionally, this technology enables the use of opaque and filled materials, which were previously challenging to work with, opening pathways toward large-format parts with enhanced material properties.
What is your educational/career background?
I have a PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on microwave hardware design and imaging algorithms.
What inspired you to go into science/your field of work?
I was naturally inclined towards science and mathematics. Good mentorship and support from my family, teachers and friends, who recognized my interest in this field encouraged me to pursue my PhD in this field. Anecdote: In my early undergraduate days, there was a healthy technical debate over whether electromagnetic radiation from cellphones would affect health of human beings. This made me incredibly inquisitive about electromagnetics, specifically towards understanding how electromagnetic fields interact with materials.
What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?
The Lab is a diverse workplace, and every group (sometimes every project) is its own bubble. I would advise new employees to meet new people and attend seminars and meetings outside their common work groups. That would help further understand the breadth of research done at LLNL and may also open up new avenues for you to work in. In general, be open to new, interesting ideas outside your area of expertise. I have learned a lot from these experiences.
What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?
I am a trained Indian classical singer. Most of my time outside of work is involved towards pursuing and learning this form of music.
Are you a member of any employee networking groups?
Volunteering Networking Group-Chair
How many years have you worked at the Lab?
6
Where are you from?
India
Do you support disciplines or programs outside PLS?
Global Security and Engineering
