Laser Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department (PTD), within the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory, seeks a Laser Engineer (Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff – Optical and Photonic Systems) to support the development of fiber and solid-state laser technologies for space applications. Areas of emphasis include free-space communications transmitters, LIDAR transmitters, MOPA fiber lasers, laser beacon sources, spectroscopic laser sources, and millijoule-class high-pulse-energy lasers. The position involves research and development, support for program needs, and development of emerging laser technologies and platforms. The work may include custom laser-system development from initial concept through development and system-level integration. The selected candidate will work full-time on-site at the company’s El Segundo, California facility and support laboratory testbeds, field tests, and flight missions. Occasional travel and work outside normal business hours may be needed to support program requirements.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
At least three years of progressive professional engineering or scientific experience after a bachelor’s degree, demonstrating technical leadership, innovation, and the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
Hands-on experience with fiber and free-space laser systems, nonlinear optical frequency conversion, laser beam characterization, and optical alignment and diagnostics.
Ability to work independently on bench-level setup, alignment, and troubleshooting, with strong laboratory notebook and data documentation habits.
Capability to learn new relevant science and engineering knowledge.
Willingness to travel occasionally and work outside normal business hours to support program needs.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
Experience building fiber laser systems.
Experience in optical communications, free-space communications, LIDAR, adaptive optics, beam combining, or space technologies.
Modeling, measurement, and signal-processing skills using programming languages or tools such as Python, C++, or LabVIEW.
Experience designing optomechanical systems and packaging for laser systems.
Peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant technical areas.
Experience with the Intelligence Community.
Current and active TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Responsibilities

Support development of laser hardware for laboratory testbeds, field tests, and flight missions, working with the internal prototyping laboratory as needed.
Support live field test operations in El Segundo or at remote locations.
Write technical reports on defense and national security space programs.
Contribute to laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to help ensure mission success.
Perform research and development and support program needs involving emerging laser technologies and platforms, including custom laser-system development from concept through development and system-level integration.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) plan with company-paid contributions based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs
Education assistance programs
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect