Laser Engineer

aureliussystems.com•San Francisco, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Aurelius Systems is a directed energy company developing edge-deployed laser systems for cUAS applications. The company is focused on addressing the threat posed by large numbers of small-scale drones by equipping the US and its allies with scalable and cost-effective defense systems. This role is for a Senior Laser Systems Engineer who will be responsible for architecting, developing, and validating beam-delivery and targeting subsystems for next-generation defense laser platforms. The engineer will lead end-to-end beam-train design, automated aiming, and materials-testing efforts across pulsed and CW regimes, progressing from lab prototype to field-deployed hardware.

Requirements

4–7 years in high-power or directed-energy laser development, optical-train engineering, or related fields
Must be able to obtain a security clearance
Deep expertise in optical design software (Zemax, Code V) and CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo).
Hands-on experience with high-power coatings, mirror mounts, and fiber-optic interfaces.
Proven track record of ablation testing and damage-threshold characterization.
Familiarity with both pulsed and CW laser architectures, wavelength trade-offs, and safety standards.
BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
Strong analytical mindset, collaborative communication, and problem-solving under experimental constraints.

Nice To Haves

Field-deployed laser systems experience (DoD or industrial optics).
Background in optical fiber handling and splice qualification.
Experience with environmental qualification testing (vibration, thermal shock).
Familiarity with laser safety (ANSI Z136) and ITAR regulations.

Responsibilities

Design and assemble the end-to-end optical path—including coatings, mirrors, fiber/optics interfaces, and alignment fixtures—to meet power and beam-quality specifications.
Develop and integrate laser-aiming subsystems, combining optomechanics and control-system hooks for precision tracking and dwell control.
Plan and execute material ablation experiments, characterize damage thresholds, and iterate on optical and mechanical designs to optimize performance and durability.
Conduct comparative analyses of various laser operation, leading wavelength-selection campaigns considering efficacy, safety, and supply-chain constraints.
Partner with controls, mechanical, and sensor teams to synchronize beam outputs with targeting data and ensure system-level integration.
Drive rapid bench-prototype builds through range-testing cycles (dry-runs, live engagements), capturing performance data to refine optical and mechanical designs.
Produce comprehensive technical reports, optical alignment procedures, and test-plan documentation; present findings to stakeholders and update design specifications accordingly.