DEW Systems Engineer

Peraton; United States; On-site; USD 135,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a senior Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Subject Matter Expert to lead modeling, simulation, and analytic deliverables for the MSIC DEW team in the United States. The role requires mastery of laser, RF, and HPM technologies, with experience in defense-related programs and an active TS/SCI clearance.

The candidate will guide system design, engagement scenarios, and threat-based modeling, while mentoring staff and producing IC‑standard reports and data products for knowledge

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).
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.
• Experience supporting defense, intelligence, or national security programs.

Responsibilities

• Model foreign directed energy weapon systems using laser, RF, and HPM architectures.
• Analyze atmospheric propagation, adaptive optics, beam combining, thermal blooming, RF propagation, radar interactions, and sensor effects.
• Develop system designs and engagement scenarios for DEW capabilities.
• Translate intelligence findings into modeling parameters and simulation inputs.
• Maintain awareness of global DEW trends and foreign development efforts.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering and analytic staff.
• Deliver analytic reports per IC tradecraft and data products for MSIC knowledge systems.

Skills

Directed energy modeling

MATLAB/Simulink

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Optics

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Responsibilities

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.

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.

Qualifications

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

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next‑generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

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.

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