Laser Experimentalist

Booz Allen Hamilton; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 69,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking a Laser Experimentalist to advance quantum sensing technologies for national security missions. You will prototype and integrate optical subsystems for a quantum sensor, evaluate sub-components, and mentor teammates while collaborating with clients and internal teams to deliver robust engineering solutions.

The role requires hands-on work with interferometers, laser systems, and precision diagnostics, plus strong programming in Python or MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Experience with optics, lasers, photonics and diagnostic hardware in a lab environment.
• Experience with optical detection hardware including APDs, balanced receivers, CMOS/sCMOS/CCD cameras.
• Experience with literature reviews and implementing new research methods.
• Experience with laser control or locking electronics, optical modulators, and laser system diagnostic tools.
• Experience using Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to design, build and execute prototype experiments, including precision interferometers and sensor bench-tests.
• Ability to drive practical science and engineering solutions to customer applications and perform measurements.
• Ability to perform trade studies and hardware down-selects with literature support.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years or Master’s with 2+ years in EE, optics, physics, or chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Prototype, design, build, and integrate optical subsystems for quantum sensor projects.
• Evaluate and optimize sub-components before full system integration.
• Lead and mentor team members; collaborate with stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Optics

Lasers

Photonics

Diagnostic hardware

Python

MATLAB

Prototype experiments

Interferometers

Literature review

Laser control electronics

Hardware troubleshooting

Data interpretation

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 4+ years

Master’s degree + 2+ years

Tools

APDs

Balanced receivers

CMOS cameras

sCMOS

CCD cameras

Laser locking electronics

Optical modulators

Job description

Laser Experimentalist The Opportunity

Are you excited to apply quantum sensing technologies to critical national security missions? Do you enjoy the challenge of implementing quantum solutions in real-world scenarios? We have an opportunity for you to use your analytical skills to enhance quantum sensing operations and address national security challenges. You will engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand their requirements and provide direct quantum technological support. You will mentor and learn from your teammates while deploying engineering solutions through client collaboration and internal projects. Join us in improving the operational capabilities of quantum sensing technologies.

What You’ll Work On

Utilize your expertise in laser and optics to prototype, design, build, and integrate optical subsystems and prototype experiments for a quantum sensor. Apply core principles, theories, and concepts to evaluate and optimize sub-component performance prior to full quantum sensor system integration. Solve complex technical problems involving interferometric setups, precision detection systems, and laser diagnostic hardware to deliver innovative solutions. Operate with independence and provide oversight or mentorship for your team’s technical competencies. Collaborate effectively with minimal supervision, overseeing and mentoring junior employees as needed. Join us. The world can’t wait.

You Have

• Experience with optics, lasers, photonics, and diagnostic hardware in a laboratory environment
• Experience with optical detection hardware, including photodetectors such as APDs and balanced receivers, and scientific imaging or camera systems such as CMOS, sCMOS, and CCDs
• Experience with targeted scientific literature review, and implementation of new research methods
• Experience with laser control or locking electronics, optical modulators, and laser system diagnostic tools
• Experience using Python or MATLAB
• Ability to design, build, and execute prototype experiments, including precision interferometers, optical path alignments, and sensor bench-tests, prior to system integration
• Ability to drive practical science and engineering solutions to customer applications, implement optical, laser, or atomic physics experiments, and perform measurements
• Ability to perform trade studies, down-select hardware, and make practical recommendations based on expertise and literature
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience in electrical engineering, optics, physics, or chemistry, or Master’s degree and 2+ years of experience in electrical engineering, optics, physics, or chemistry

Nice If You Have

• Possession of strong communication skills, to convey complex concepts to varied audiences both verbally and in writing
• Possession of strong collaborative skills, to work effectively with clients of various backgrounds and expertise levels

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 $69,300.00 to $158,000.00 (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.

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.

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