Directed Energy Systems Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 99,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton seeks a Directed Energy Systems Engineer to evaluate advanced laser and directed energy weapon systems for safety and compliance. You will analyze performance, validate models, and support test activities while mentoring junior staff and interfacing with government leaders.

Ideal candidates have a physics or engineering background, experience with directed energy technologies, and the ability to translate operational needs into technical objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and hands‑on experience with directed energy technologies.
• Ability to interpret physics‑based models and simulations for laser and optical systems.
• Ability to translate mission needs into technical objectives and measurable criteria.

Responsibilities

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams evaluating performance and safety of high‑power laser systems.
• Conduct system analyses and trade studies for safety, reliability, and maintainability.
• Review MIL‑STD‑1425A compliance and DoD/DoI regulations relevant to directed energy.
• Mentor technical staff and communicate complex findings to leadership.

Skills

Directed energy systems

Modeling & simulation

Technical risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Directed Energy Systems Engineer

The Opportunity:

As a Directed Energy Systems Engineer, you understand the workings behind some of the most advanced weapons within the Department of War. That knowledge is key when it comes to keeping the nation’s directed energy weapons safe and effective for the warfighters who use them. We’re looking for an expert in directed energy weapons who can use their skills to evaluate the performance of current and future Air Force weapon systems for safety reviews and approval for use authority. At Booz Allen, you’ll use your engineering skills to transform the Air Force’s directed energy safety practices. That’s why we need you, a systems engineer who is top‑notch in analyzing systems for safety, to help us embrace the mission of keeping directed energy weapons safe and effective. On our team, you’ll learn about multiple directed energy weapon systems, both current and future, several of which are at the cutting edge of technology. You will impact the Air Force by finding evidence of safety concerns on those weapon systems. This is a chance to grow your general understanding of directed energy engineering in the defense world while gaining experience in the design of real Air Force weapon systems. Take on exciting challenges in directed energy safety with us as we support the Air Force in ensuring safe and effective directed energy weapons for the warfighter.

What You’ll Work On:

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams evaluating the performance, experimental validity, prototype capabilities, and systems engineering for high‑power laser systems and associated directed energy technologies.
• Evaluate key technologies, validate models, and evaluate system concepts to reduce technical risk.
• Conduct system‑level analyses and trade studies addressing performance, reliability, maintainability, safety, and operational sustainability.
• Assess the maturity, limitations, and mission relevance of emerging laser sources, optical components, beam directors, sensors, control systems, materials, coatings, power systems, and thermal management technologies.
• Provide independent review of assumptions, models, experimental methods, results, and conclusions.
• Make recommendations to aid test activities to allow compliance with applicable laser safety, electrical safety, range safety, environmental protection, security, export‑control, and information protection requirements.
• Provide technical support on safety matters relevant to directed energy weapons or systems.
• Communicate complex technical findings clearly to senior government leaders, acquisition professionals, operational stakeholders, engineers, and scientists.
• Review systems for MIL‑STD‑1425A compliance and demonstrate knowledge and applicability of DoDI 6055.11 and 21CFR1040.10 and 21CFR1040.11 to USAF directed energy systems.
• Mentor and develop technical staff in high‑power lasers and directed energy systems, optical engineering, controls, and related disciplines.

You Have:

• Experience in directed energy systems, including acoustics, microwaves, particle beams, or lasers
• Experience interpreting physics‑based models and simulations for directed energy systems such as optical or laser
• Knowledge of directed energy systems such as high‑power laser system elements
• Ability to translate broad missions or operational needs into technical objectives, analytical approaches, experimental plans, and measurable performance criteria
• Ability to evaluate technologies objectively, identify critical technical risks, and communicate these risks effectively
• Ability to work in a close‑knit team including client
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
• Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Nice If You Have:

• Knowledge of MIL‑STD‑1425A and related DoW and federal regulations
• Ability to translate broad missions or operational needs into technical objectives, analytical approaches, experimental plans, and measurable performance criteria
• Possession of excellent verbal and written communication skills
• TS/SCI clearance
• Master’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well‑being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work‑life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full‑time and part‑time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model

Our people‑first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings. Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility. Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen or customer facility, in alignment with your leadership’s expectations and the needs of the role. Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed full‑time at a customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

About Booz Allen

Booz Allen is an advanced technology company. We build commercial‑grade products and solutions for America’s most critical defense, civil, and national security priorities.

Know Your Rights Poster Accommodations

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