Lead Laser Engineer

Job Description
BAE Systems is currently looking for a Lead Laser Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-Mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicant will support assignments in laser system design and laser product testing or other related areas. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that serve a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications.
The Senior Principal II Laser Engineer will develop and mature advanced laser system products. This will include the design, analysis, building and test of laser and optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the development of laser system requirements, laser beam modeling, cross-discipline design work, prototype testing, and product transitions to production environments. The successful candidate will work with a broad range of colleagues from all disciplines and must be equally comfortable working and communicating in early R&D, hardware engineering, and production environments. Additional duties will include customer presentations, support to new business proposals, cost and scheduling support, and technical leadership.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Experience with the following:

1. Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology
2. Analyzing performance of conceptual and existing laser/optical subsystems
3. Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment
4. Delivering customer presentations and informal interactions in support of programs
5. Contributing to program progress reports
6. Contributing to program plans and proposals, schedules and design

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• The successful candidate should be a subject matter expert in one or more of the following: Lasers, Optics, Material Science, Physics, Optical Design
• Experience with laser alignment and measurement techniques including spatial, temporal and spectral laser profiling
• Knowledge and understanding of laser system technology including aspects of laser modeling and design with a particular emphasis on high power lasers systems. Technical areas should include experience with fiber lasers, solid state lasers, and Q-switching
• Experience designing and specifying optical components for lasers or other optical systems
• Experience integrating and testing hardware and optical components in a laboratory environment
• Experience with splicing fiber
• Experience with non-linear optical conversion
• Ability to derive and document subsystem requirements from high level system requirements
• Knowledge of industry vendors and the ability to effectively communicate with suppliers to achieve manufacturable and specification compliant components
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated ability to work well with others, ability to work in a team environment
• Eagerness to collaborate and learn from others
• Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax, Code V, RP Photonics, and Matlab
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.