High Energy Laser Scientist / Modeler

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading research laboratory in Maryland is seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to advance modeling and simulation capabilities in high energy laser science. Candidates should possess a M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering or related fields, with strong numerical modeling skills and experience with laser systems. The role includes collaborating with a dynamic team and requires effective communication skills. The position offers a minimum salary of $105,000 and a maximum of $290,000 annually, alongside robust benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in numerical modeling OR 10 years with B.S.
• Ability to obtain a required security clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Identify technical courses of action for sponsor requirements.
• Lead teams and mentor junior staff.
• Apply analytic and numerical models for high energy lasers.

Skills

Numerical modeling of optical systems

Strong oral and written communication

Experience with laser propagation

Collaborative and agile teamwork

Education

M.S. in electrical engineering, physics, optics, chemistry

Ph.D. in related field (preferred)

Job description

Description

Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real world applications? Are you searching for meaningful work in high energy laser science? Are you hoping to join a dynamic and innovative team? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to help us advance our capabilities in modeling and simulation of high energy lasers. As a member of the High Energy Laser Systems & Technologies section in the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to help solve some of our nation’s most critical challenges related to high power lasers and laser weapon systems. You will develop and apply modeling and simulation tools to further the impact of high energy lasers for our sponsors. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy working hands‑on in the lab and in the field. We are passionate about developing innovative laser concepts for high‑impact, next‑generation applications in sensing, communications, and non‑kinetic warfare. Our team is committed to fostering an innovative atmosphere as we work across a wide variety of skillsets and backgrounds to solve complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibilities will be to identify technical courses of action to meet sponsor requirements, lead small teams in the execution of these pathways, and mentor junior staff.
• You will conceptualize, develop, and apply analytic and numerical models related to novel high energy continuous wave and pulsed lasers, laser beam control, and laser‑matter interactions.
• You will seek to identify and characterize solutions to overcome critical sponsor challenges related to laser sensing and laser weapon systems.
• You will contribute modeling expertise to high energy laser engagement simulations, ranging from scaling law analysis codes to high fidelity physics‑based tools.
• You will document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams, external sponsors, and the wider high‑energy laser community.

Qualifications

• Possess a M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, optics, chemistry, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years‑experience working in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems OR a B.S. degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience working with numerical modeling tools.
• Have prior experience developing numerical modeling tools to simulate laser propagation through the atmosphere and/or high power laser interactions with materials.
• Have demonstrated success working in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and agile team capable of adapting to evolving mission objectives.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Are willing to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
• Are able to obtain a/an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, optics, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems.
• Have prior experience modeling laser weapon systems, their propagation through the atmosphere, and/or interaction with materials.
• Have prior experience developing nonlinear propagation codes for simulating pulsed lasers.
• Have demonstrated the ability to identify critical solutions to sponsor needs and developed projects/programs/plans in support of these needs.
• Have interest and/or experience in fields related to high energy lasers such as laser beam control, optical materials, applied spectroscopy, optical remote sensing, advanced photonics, optical system design, and optical communications.
• Have an active Top Secret or higher clearance.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program
• Unparalleled retirement contributions
• Healthy work/life balance

Compensation

• Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually
• Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].