Lead Optics & Directed Energy Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Principal Optics/Directed Energy Engineer to lead high‑level engineering for advanced directed energy systems at Von Braun III, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. You will work with a diverse government partner community on cutting‑edge missile defense technologies.

The role emphasizes analytical leadership, collaboration, and a track record of delivering complex projects in fast‑paced programs, including security‑critical environments.

Qualifications

• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI SAP clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, optics, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in DoD acquisition, engineering, test, or technical management.
• Experience supporting classified and special access programs.
• Background in R&D, technology maturation and insertion, analysis, testing, and systems engineering.
• Self-motivated and proactive in researching and learning new technologies.
• Demonstrated ownership of complex projects with successful outcomes.
• Ability to multitask, handle quick-turn requests, and produce high-quality work with minimal oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for producing clear, concise business communications and recommendations.
• Proven success working in a deadline-driven, service-intensive environment.
• Ability to build strong relationships and leverage insights across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong leadership, organizational, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Effective working independently or as part of a development team.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize future missile defense technologies that close critical capability gaps, with an initial focus on directed energy, and document them in Agency‑level Science & Technology roadmaps.
• Evaluate the feasibility and system-level benefit of integrating new technologies and concepts from across the DoD into the missile defense architecture.
• Support special study efforts, including concept feasibility experiments, analysis, data integration, and software development for communication technologies.
• Develop risk‑reduction approaches for a broad portfolio of advanced concepts to accelerate state-of-the-art capabilities within current and future missile defense architectures.
• Lead and foster collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate inputs from Chief Technology Officers and identify opportunities for impactful technology development.
• Prepare and deliver clear, accurate briefings and reports for senior leadership across the Services, OSD, and other DoD organizations.
• Provide Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis support for directed energy systems.
• Deliver metric‑based analysis products and executive‑level presentations.
• Provide excellent customer support and communicate effectively with all levels of leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Self-motivation

Analytical thinking

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/optics

MS or PhD preferred

Job description

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Principal Optics/Directed Energy Engineer to lead high‑level engineering for advanced directed energy systems at Von Braun III, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. You will work with a diverse government partner community on cutting‑edge missile defense technologies.

The role emphasizes analytical leadership, collaboration, and a track record of delivering complex projects in fast‑paced programs, including security‑critical environments.