Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of advanced solid-state laser systems for airborne and space-based government aerospace programs.
This individual will serve as both a deep technical authority and a program catalyst — leading laser system design while motivating cross-functional teams to execute on aggressive technical milestones. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical and modeling expertise with demonstrated experience pushing complex hardware programs from concept through integration and qualification.Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Architect and lead development of advanced solid-state laser systems including:
Oscillators (linear and ring)
MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) architectures
OPO/OPA systems
Single-frequency / narrow-linewidth lasers
Frequency conversion stages (SHG, THG, nonlinear mixing)
Own cavity design, gain modeling, thermal analysis, and system energetics
Lead nonlinear optics development and frequency conversion optimization
Guide LIDAR transmitter laser development for airborne and space platforms
Perform system-level optical modeling and tolerance analysis (Zemax)
Ensure performance, reliability, and environmental robustness
Program Execution & Team Leadership
Serve as technical lead for laser subsystem programs
Translate high-level requirements into executable technical plans
Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone execution
Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategies
Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists
Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum
Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams
Support customer interactions and government technical reviews
Required Qualifications
M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in solid-state laser development (2–8+ years post-graduate experience depending on degree)
Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small engineering teams
Demonstrated deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:
Laser resonator stability and design
Gain media physics and thermal management
Nonlinear optics and frequency conversion
Single longitudinal mode and narrow-linewidth operation
Experience designing and modeling:
High peak power or high pulse energy systems
MOPA systems
Nonlinear frequency conversion, OPO/OPA architectures
Strong proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g. Zemax)
Experience delivering hardware into airborne or space environments preferred
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing laser systems for LIDAR applications
Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser expertise
Experience with environmental qualification (e.g. thermal, vibration, vacuum)
Radiation effects awareness for space-based systems
Experience working on DoD or aerospace prime contracts
Track record of taking laser systems from concept to flight qualification
Leadership Profile We’re Seeking
Naturally assumes ownership of technical outcomes
Drives momentum — does not wait for direction
Communicates clearly with engineers, management, and customers
Balances deep physics rigor with practical program execution
Mentors junior staff and raises overall team capability
Comfortable operating in high-visibility, mission-critical programs
Why This Role Matters This role will directly shape next-generation airborne and space-based laser systems that support critical aerospace and national security missions. The right candidate will not only design exceptional laser architectures but will elevate the performance of the entire team.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Herndon, Virginia
Skills
Aerospace and Defenseunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Cross-Functionalunmatched
Customer Relationsunmatched
Customer Support/Serviceunmatched
Electrical Engineeringunmatched
Electricityunmatched
Governmentunmatched
Laser Designunmatched
Laser Scienceunmatched
Leadershipunmatched
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)\Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR)unmatched
Manufacturingunmatched
Mentoringunmatched
Optical Engineeringunmatched
Opticsunmatched
Oscillatorunmatched
Physicsunmatched
Power Amplifierunmatched
Risk Analysisunmatched
Security Clearanceunmatched
Strategic Planningunmatched
Team Lead/Managerunmatched
Technical Leadershipunmatched
Thermal Analysisunmatched
Thermal Managementunmatched
Thermal Physicsunmatched
Tolerance Analysisunmatched
United States Citizenunmatched
United States Department of Defense (DoD)unmatched
Website Conversionunmatched
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