Lead Optical Engineer, High-Power Laser & DE Systems

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE is seeking an optics expert specializing in directed energy high-power laser systems. The role combines deep technical leadership with development of physics-based models, system analysis, and testbed demonstrations to advance national security capabilities.

The candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee model validation, and collaborate with government sponsors, industry, and academia. This on-site position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years with bachelor’s degree; 8 years with a master’s; or a PhD with 5 years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of high-power laser systems and related components.
• Experience developing physics-based models and simulations for optical/laser systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel periodically and to work on-site.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in analysis, modeling, experimentation, prototyping, and system engineering for high-power laser systems.
• Develop and apply physics-based models for laser sources, beam propagation, atmospheric effects, and adaptive optics.
• Establish rigorous modeling and simulation practices, including validation and uncertainty analysis.
• Design, integrate, and operate laboratory or field testbeds to evaluate technologies and reduce risk.
• Define objectives, metrics, instrumentation, and data-collection plans for experiments.

Skills

Security clearance TS/SCI

Technical leadership

Education

Physics or Engineering degree

Job description

MITRE is seeking an optics expert specializing in directed energy high-power laser systems. The role combines deep technical leadership with development of physics-based models, system analysis, and testbed demonstrations to advance national security capabilities.

The candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee model validation, and collaborate with government sponsors, industry, and academia. This on-site position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance and travel as needed.