Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead Family of Companies seeks a Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer to work in the Navy Weapons Systems division. The role focuses on analytic modeling of laser lethality, vulnerability, and kill mechanisms in HEL systems.

The engineer will employ high‑fidelity simulations to support warfighter capabilities, assess failures, and quantify time‑to‑kill for engagement scenarios, all while working onsite at Bowhead facilities or Navy installations.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Aerospace/Physics or closely related field.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling and geometry development.
• Strong analytical foundation in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and system modeling.
• Programming and scripting for modeling, data analysis, and automation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze how High Energy Laser weapons can defeat other systems with high‑fidelity models.
• Analyze weapon engagement kill mechanisms and energy deposition effects.
• Analyze failures to predict vulnerabilities and failure modes.
• Characterize weapon system vulnerabilities.
• Model weapon geometries to support vulnerability and lethality assessments.
• Perform weapon engagement analyses to quantify time‑to‑kill and probability of kill.
• Support Navy weapons integration and assessment efforts.

Skills

3D modeling

Geometry development

Mechanical analysis

Thermodynamics

Programming/scripting

Documentation

FMEA

Vulnerability analysis

Secure facilities

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Aerospace Engineering

BS in Physics

Tools

Modeling tools

Simulation software

Job description

Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer (DETO-2026-25746)

Bowhead seeks new team members in their support to the Navy’s Weapons Systems Munitions Integration and Hypersonic division. Join a mission‑driven team at the forefront of modern weapon system assessment. This role places you directly in the analytical engine room of laser lethality and survivability studies—where physics, engineering, and real‑world threat understanding converge. You won’t just model systems; you’ll help decode how weapons achieve kill, how targets respond, and what drives true operational effectiveness.

This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract.

Job duties

• Analyze how High Energy Laser weapons can defeat other weapon systems with analytical and high‑fidelity models of material, subsystem and full system response.
• Analyze weapon engagement kill mechanisms to understand how energy deposition, material response, and subsystem interactions drive mission‑level effects.
• Analyze the effects and logic of failures to understand system vulnerabilities and predict failure mechanisms.
• Characterize weapon system vulnerabilities.
• Model weapon system geometries to support high‑fidelity vulnerability and lethality assessments.
• Perform weapon engagement analyses to quantify time‑to‑kill and probability of kill.
• Perform additional technical duties as assigned to support Navy weapons integration and assessment efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling and geometry development.
• Strong analytical foundation in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and system modeling.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting for modeling, data analysis, and simulation automation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with government personnel, contractors, and cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation and communication.
• Experience performing Failure Mode Effectiveness Analysis (FMEA), developing Failure Analysis Logic Trees (FALT), and generating Target Vulnerability Characterizations (TVC) products.
• Experience developing Vulnerability Modules (VMs), particularly for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems.
• Experience conducting engagement analysis, including generating TTK plots and Pk assessments using modeling and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with vulnerability/lethality analysis frameworks, survivability modeling, or DoD weapon system assessment processes.
• Experience supporting classified programs or working within secure facilities.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically.

Security Clearance Requirements

Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.