Solid State Laser Engineer (R&D/DOD)

NSS
Herndon, VA
Are you looking to work with a multidisciplinary team on cutting edge R&D that directly impacts space exploration, communication infrastructure, and our national security?? We are currently in need of a Solid State Laser Engineer! This is a permanent position, located onsite full time in Herndon, VA, directly supporting a seasoned company that has been at the forefront of innovation within this space for the past 3 decades!

In this role, you will gain experience in many aspects in the field of optics at all phases of the engineering design process. You will support the development, integration, and test of advanced laser systems.

The successful candidate will thrive in a small-company environment (that means fewer levels of managers), have direct hands-on experience with diode pumped solid state lasers operating in the UV/VIS/IR wavelengths, willing to ask questions and has a passion for development of the next generation tech for novel applications like space communications and Lidars.

Essential Job Duties:
  • Work with a team of mechanical and electrical engineers to build a unique packaged system that can withstand wide temperature operation or high vibrational loads. (The workload will at times include multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short duration research programs and longer duration technology maturation programs).
  • Contribute to the engineering development of unique laser designs through design analysis, component specification, and hardware assembly, integration and test
  • Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser resonators, amplifiers, non-linear frequency conversion modules and receiver components
  • Participate in customer interactions including formal technical reviews
Required experience and expertise:
  • BS Physics or Optical Engineering desired.
  • 4+ years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems
  • Knowledge of the laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub-systems
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating laser system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary communication
  • US citizenship required, Geen card holder considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of laser systems industry standard tools, i.e. Matlab, MathCAD, Zemax or equivalent software tools
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex laser challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity
Preferred experience and expertise:
  • MS in Physics or Optical Engineering. 6+ years of direct hands-on laser experience including design, building, characterizing laser systems
  • Proven demonstrated experience with complex laser theory and industry best practices associated with diode pumped solid state laser systems including continuous wave lasers, Q-Switched lasers, single-frequency injection locked lasers, electrical and thermal sub-systems
  • Comfortable presenting ideas, findings, obstacles to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Experience supporting programs within R&D laboratories in both an academic and government environment.
Posted 2025-11-03

Recommended Jobs

Director, Cyber and Tech Risk Execution

Capital One
McLean, VA

Director, Cyber and Tech Risk Execution Capital One is one of the fastest growing organizations in the world today, powered by our passion for our customers. We are serious about technology, …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-21

Maintenance/Project Assistant

Bear Granville Corporation
Richmond, VA

Job Description Job Description Project/Maintenance Technician Needed The ideal candidate should possess a very strong knowledge of home repairs, OSHA safety rules and regulations and be prof…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-23

Staff Accountant

Doma Technologies Llc
Virginia Beach, VA

Description The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing a variety of accounting duties in order to ensure effective, efficient and accurate financial and administrative operations. Will prepa…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-12

Applied Scientist, Seraph

Amazon.com Services LLC
Arlington, VA

DESCRIPTION Do you want a role with deep meaning and the ability to make a major impact? As part of Intelligent Talent Acquisition (ITA), you'll have the opportunity to reinvent the hiring process…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-23

Site Reliability Engineer

Csci Consulting
Quantico, VA

Job Description CSCI Consulting is looking for a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to ensure the performance, availability, and security of mission-critical enterprise systems in a secure federal…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-22

Structural - Project Engineer

System One
Alexandria, VA

Structural Project Engineer Alexandria, VA | Full-Time | Hybrid Work Schedule Available Are you a creative and detail-oriented engineer who enjoys solving complex design challenges? We’…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-06

Software Test Engineer

Metron
Reston, VA

About Metron Metron is an employee-owned company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for the most challenging national security problems. For over 40 years, our principled approach to p…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-14

Software Engineer

[solidcore]
Arlington, VA

Located at our HQ in Arlington, VA, [solidcore] is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our growing Technology team. This role offers the opportunity to build innovative, high-impact softwar…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-19

Server

ZORCH PIZZA LLC
Richmond, VA

Job Description Job Description Benefits/Perks Full Time and Part time positions available Competitive Compensation Career Advancement Opportunities Tip Share Job Summary We are…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-04

Infant Teacher

Guidepost Montessori
Richmond, VA

Job Description Job Description We are now hiring a Lead Infant Teacher for our lovely Guidepost Montessori school San Rafael! We are also offering a commute stipend to help offset transporta…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-24