Laser Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is hiring a Laser Engineer (Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff - Optical and Photonic Systems) to develop 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 role involves research and development, supporting program needs, and advancing emerging laser technologies from initial concepts through custom system development and system-level integration. The selected candidate will support laser hardware development for laboratory testbeds, field tests, and flight missions; work with the internal prototyping laboratory as needed; support live field test operations; write technical reports for defense and national security space programs; and contribute to laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews. The role is full-time and on-site at the company’s El Segundo, California facility, with occasional travel and work outside normal business hours to support program needs. All roles require onsite presence at least four days per week; this role is specified as on-site.
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 ability to solve complex technical challenges.
- Hands-on experience with fiber and free-space laser systems, nonlinear optical frequency conversions, 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 relevant scientific 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-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university 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.
Responsibilities
- Support the 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 at El Segundo or remote locations.
- Write technical reports on defense and national security space programs.
- Contribute to laboratory testing, failure investigations, and technical reviews to ensure mission success.
- Conduct research and development and support program needs involving emerging laser technologies and platforms, including custom laser system 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 benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
