DEW Systems Engineer

Peraton; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is looking for a Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Subject Matter Expert to join their team in Huntsville, Alabama. This senior-level position requires extensive expertise in directed energy systems, with responsibilities including modeling and simulation of laser, RF, and high-power microwave architectures.

The ideal candidate should have significant experience in physics-based modeling tools and possess a track record in defense or national security programs. The role involves leadership and technical oversight of projects related to foreign DEW capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum 3 years with PhD.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling and simulation of foreign directed energy weapon systems.
• Perform scientific and engineering analyses on atmospheric propagation.
• Lead technical leadership and mentorship to engineering staff.

Skills

Physics-based modeling tools

Directed energy systems experience

Technical writing

Analytic deliverables

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Responsibilities

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly specialized Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep expertise in laser, RF, and high-power microwave (HPM) modeling to directly support the MSIC DEW team.

This is a senior-level, technical leadership role requiring recognized expertise in directed energy systems, global technology trends, and foreign capability development. The selected candidate will serve as the principal authority for DEW modeling, simulation, system design, and analytic deliverables to further understanding of foreign directed energy weapons.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling and simulation (M&S) of foreign directed energy weapon systems, including laser, RF, and HPM architectures.
• Perform scientific and engineering analyses to assess atmospheric propagation, adaptive optics, beam combining, thermal blooming, RF propagation, radar interactions, and optical sensor effects.
• Develop and evaluate system designs, engagement scenarios, and target coupling effects for foreign DEW capabilities.
• Translate technical intelligence, research findings, and threat reporting into defensible modeling assumptions and simulation parameters.
• Maintain awareness of global DEW technology trends, emerging advancements, and foreign nation development efforts.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and oversight to engineering and analytic staff.
• Deliver interim and final analytic reports in accordance with IC tradecraft standards and provide structured data products suitable for MSIC knowledge management systems.

Qualifications

Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Optics, or related discipline (MS/PhD preferred).
• Minimum 3+ years of directly relevant experience in directed energy systems with laser/RF/HPM modeling focus.
• Advanced proficiency in physics-based modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent platforms).
• Experience supporting defense, intelligence, or national security programs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.

Desired Qualifications

• Deep expertise in laser physics, electromagnetics, RF/HPM effects, and energy propagation.
• Experience with system design, physics-based modeling, and simulation of complex defense architectures.
• Strong understanding of the global directed energy capability landscape and adversary developments.
• Exceptional technical writing, documentation, and briefing skills.

Target Salary Range

$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.