Senior Laser Engineer

ARA Career • San Antonio, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Missions, Concepts, and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space. The Senior Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects of lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate serves as a senior technical contributor and subject-matter expert, responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders. This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in Spring 2026.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
• Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
• Proficiency in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
• Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Capability to develop and automate experiments using data acquisition and control software (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory results into mission-relevant insights and recommendations.
• Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Demonstrated experience leading or independently executing complex experimental research efforts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Nice To Haves

• MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with DoD laboratories.
• Background in mission-relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser–matter interactions.
• Existing TS or TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
• Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.
• Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.
• Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
• Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
• Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.

Benefits

• employees are our greatest assets.
• employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.
• ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities, and freedom to grow and pursue work that they are passionate about.
• Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees