Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead

TalentRemedy · Herndon, Virginia

FULL TIME

Job Description

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 d eep 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

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.

Job Requirements

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

Company	TalentRemedy
Location	Herndon, Virginia
Type	FULL TIME
Niche	Full-time

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