Lead Electrical-Optical Engineer, Space Lasers

Trinzic; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 154,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking an Electrical-Optical Lead with a strong background in managing the technical development of advanced laser systems for spaceflight applications. This role combines deep technical expertise with engineering team leadership and product development ownership.

Responsibilities include directing laser hardware design, verification, and flight qualification, leading risk mitigation, and coordinating cross-functional teams to meet mission requirements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in electro-optical engineering.
• Experience developing spaceflight hardware.
• Experience leading small engineering teams with budget and schedule responsibility.
• Experience as a PDL or similar leadership role in product development.
• Strong engineering analysis and hands-on lab experience.
• Familiarity with cleanroom manufacturing and optical assembly.
• Knowledge of laser safety standards and compliance.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, analysis, integration and testing of lasers, photonics, and related electronics.
• Serve as Product Development Leader (PDL), managing execution, resources, budget, schedule, and risks.
• Lead development, verification, and qualification of laser hardware for spaceflight.
• Provide technical direction and hands-on problem solving through analytical studies and lab testing.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance flight hardware that meets mission requirements.
• Serve as the technical authority for electro-optical and laser-based spacecraft systems through the lifecycle.
• Lead technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies for mission success.
• Evaluate emerging photonics technologies and provide strategic recommendations to enhance spacecraft performance.

Skills

Lasers & photonics

Spaceflight hardware

Team leadership

PDL experience

Electro-optical

Lab testing

Cleanroom

Laser safety

Budget & schedule

Fast-paced work

Education

BS in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

Job description

KBR is seeking an Electrical-Optical Lead with a strong background in managing the technical development of advanced laser systems for spaceflight applications. This role combines deep technical expertise with engineering team leadership and product development ownership.

Responsibilities include directing laser hardware design, verification, and flight qualification, leading risk mitigation, and coordinating cross-functional teams to meet mission requirements.