Directed Energy Systems Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton • Albuquerque, NM

1d

About The Position

Booz Allen is seeking a Directed Energy Systems Engineer to evaluate the performance and safety of current and future Air Force directed energy weapon systems and support safety reviews and approval-for-use decisions. The engineer will work with multidisciplinary teams on high-power laser systems and related directed energy technologies, assessing system performance, experimental validity, prototype capabilities, and engineering approaches. The role contributes to Air Force directed energy safety practices and helps identify evidence of safety concerns while supporting safe and effective use of these systems.

The position involves evaluating technologies, validating models, assessing system concepts, and conducting system-level analyses and trade studies. The engineer will assess the maturity, limitations, and mission relevance of laser sources, optical components, beam directors, sensors, control systems, materials, coatings, power systems, and thermal management technologies. The role also provides independent technical review, makes recommendations for test activities and regulatory compliance, communicates findings to government and technical stakeholders, and mentors technical staff.

Requirements

• Experience in directed energy systems, including acoustics, microwaves, particle beams, or lasers.
• Experience interpreting physics-based models and simulations for directed energy systems, such as optical or laser systems.
• Knowledge of directed energy systems, including high-power laser system elements.
• Ability to translate broad missions or operational needs into technical objectives, analytical approaches, experimental plans, and measurable performance criteria.
• Ability to objectively evaluate technologies, identify critical technical risks, and communicate those risks effectively.
• Ability to work in a close-knit team, including with the client.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of MIL-STD-1425A and related Department of War and federal regulations.
• Ability to translate broad missions or operational needs into technical objectives, analytical approaches, experimental plans, and measurable performance criteria.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• TS/SCI clearance.
• Master's degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Participate in multidisciplinary evaluations of high-power laser systems and related directed energy technologies, including performance, experimental validity, prototype capabilities, and systems engineering.
• Evaluate key technologies, validate models, and assess system concepts to reduce technical risk.
• Conduct system-level analyses and trade studies addressing performance, reliability, maintainability, safety, and operational sustainability.
• Assess the maturity, limitations, and mission relevance of laser sources, optical components, beam directors, sensors, control systems, materials, coatings, power systems, and thermal management technologies.
• Independently review technical assumptions, models, experimental methods, results, and conclusions.
• Recommend test activities that support compliance with applicable laser safety, electrical safety, range safety, environmental protection, security, export-control, and information-protection requirements.
• Provide technical support on safety matters related to directed energy weapons or systems.
• Communicate complex technical findings to senior government leaders, acquisition professionals, operational stakeholders, engineers, and scientists.
• Review systems for MIL-STD-1425A compliance and apply knowledge of DoDI 6055.11 and 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 to USAF directed energy systems.
• Mentor and develop technical staff in high-power lasers and directed energy systems, optical engineering, controls, and related disciplines.

Benefits

• Health, life, and disability benefits.
• Financial and retirement benefits.
• Paid leave.
• Professional development.
• Tuition assistance.
• Work-life programs.
• Dependent care.
• Recognition awards for exceptional performance and demonstration of company values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level