Optical Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton
Dahlgren, VA
Optical Engineer

The Opportunity:

What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the support and testing of electro-optic (EO) components for integration into high energy laser (HEL) weapons. We’re looking for an optical engineer who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter.

Our team supports the design of state-of-the-art directed energy weapons systems to enhance warfighter capabilities. That’s why we need you, an optical engineer, who is interested in the testing of weapons systems. You’ll directly impact the U.S. Navy and other Department of War entities by providing optical technical expertise. This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics and lasers while broadening your skillset. Join us and take on exciting challenges as we support the warfighter with state-of-the-art directed energy capabilities.

Join us. The world can’t wait.

You Have:

  • 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment, including oscilloscopes, power meters, photodiodes, detectors, interferometers, wavefront sensors, spectrometers, or beam profilers
  • 5+ years of experience with alignment of optical components, cameras, lasers, or opto-mechanics
  • 3+ years of experience in labs including designing test setups, development of test plans, recording data, and reporting meaningful results
  • Experience in laser systems, including gain media, pump sources, thermal management and control, opto-mechanics, optical coatings, substrates, characterization and specification, beam shaping, or beam control
  • Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification, and in the testing of EO sensors as it applies to overall integration into a weapons system
  • Knowledge of the major components and integration of laser systems, including the optical train
  • Ability to collaborate with a variety of engineering specialties, such as mechanical, optical, or software, across a functional team in the development of optical systems
  • Ability to learn, adapt, and assist in testing of high priority weapons systems in a professional environment
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in an Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering field

Nice If You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy or other military service laser and EO systems
  • 5+ years of experience with HEL weapon systems, including fiber laser technology
  • 5+ years of experience with ISR EO technology development, analysis, test and evaluation (T&E), and platform integration
  • Experience working with design and analysis software, including FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, Solidworks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems
  • Experience with pulsed lasers, fiber optics, free-space optics, nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, imaging and radiometric tools, or integrated photonics
  • Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiment, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance in relevant military environments and ranges
  • Knowledge of practical problems associated with the design, building, integration, and testing of laser weapons systems
  • Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred; Doctorate degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field a plus

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,500.00 to $176,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided .

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote : If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid : If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite : If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

Posted 2026-08-14

Recommended Jobs

Cloud Integrated Infrastructure Engineer

Deloitte LLP
Virginia

Our Deloitte AI & Engineering team to transform technology platforms, drive innovation, and help make a significant impact on our clients' success. You'll work alongside talented professionals reimagi…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-15

Locum MD (Medical Doctor), DO (Osteopathic Doctor) Anesthesiology

77 consultants
Norfolk, VA

Description . This contract-based, on-site position offers you the chance to deliver high-quality anesthesiology care within a dynamic healthcare environment. As a Locum Anesthesiologist, you w…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-25

Landscape Designer

J & J Landscape Management, Inc.
Lorton, VA

Landscape Designer Design Beautiful Outdoor Spaces. Build a Career. J&J Landscape Management is a high-end, full-service landscape company serving Northern Virginia since 1998. We specialize in…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-16

Clinic Based RBT - Fun and Supportive Environment!

Stafford Early Autism Services
Stafford, VA

Stafford Early Autism Services (SEAS) is a BCBA-owned, clinic based ABA provider in Stafford, VA. We are growing and are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and passionate individuals to join our tea…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-05

Substitute Health Fitness Specialist - Fort Belvoir, VA

The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS)
Fort Belvoir, VA

Job Description Job Description T itle of Position: Substitute Health Fitness Specialist Potion Type: Substitute/As Needed Location of Position: Fort Belvoir, Virginia Summary Joi…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-05

In-Home Caregiver - Callao

AmeriCare Plus
Callao, VA

Monday, Wednesday & Friday (10:00 - 5:00) Are you a NA/CNA or PCA who loves caregiving? If so, join the Team Teal family today & provide one-on-one care in the home for clients and enjoy all aspect…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-14

Move Specialist

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Richmond, VA

🚀 Join Our Team as a Move Captain – Lead the Charge with College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving! 🚀 Are you a natural-born leader with a passion for teamwork, problem-solving, and making a real impact? …

View Details
Posted 2026-01-28

AV/VTC Engineer

Geospatial And Cloud Analytics Inc
Newport News, VA

Job Description Job Description GCA is seeking an AV/VTC Engineer to support our contract with the U.S. Army TRADOC VTC/AV Support Services program. The Engineer will assist the Lead Engineer wit…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-14

Office Administrator for Government Contractor

gTANGIBLE Corporation
Alexandria, VA

Description   gTANGIBLE Corporation (gTC), www.gtangible.com, is a C corporation and a registered Government contractor that provides services and solutions in: ~National Security Programs ~Pr…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-27

Diesel Lifecycle Engineering Representative (Navy Shipboard)

THOR Solutions, LLC
Norfolk, VA

THOR Solutions is actively seeking an experienced Diesel Lifecycle Engineering Representative (DLER) to support Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) in Norfolk, VA . The D…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-29