Optical Engineer

Verus Research; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Verus Research is seeking an Optical Engineer in Albuquerque, NM to design and develop optical beam trains for high-energy laser effects testing in both laboratory and field settings. You will develop layouts, select components, and ensure beam requirements meet program objectives.

The role requires hands-on experience with optical modeling, alignment, BRDF measurements, and safety standards. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to deliver innovative solutions in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related field.
• Experience designing beam trains for high-energy or high-power laser systems.
• Proficiency with Zemax, OpticStudio, or FRED.
• Experience with beam characterization, wavefront sensing, and laser diagnostics.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z136 laser safety standards and operation of Class 4 laser systems.
• Experience supporting DoD directed energy testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical layouts for complex test configurations.
• Select and specify optical components.
• Troubleshoot optical alignment and system verification issues.
• Support the local metrology laboratories focusing on BRDF measurements.
• Translate experimental objectives into practical optical designs.

Skills

Optical design

Beam trains

BRDF measurement

Laser diagnostics

Beam alignment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

OpticStudio

FRED

Job description

Verus Research is searching for an Optical Engineer to design and develop optical beam trains, in support of high-energy laser (HEL) effects testing in both a laboratory and field setting. The Optical Engineer will be responsible for designing and supporting the test team by developing and integrating laser beam trains to ensure accurate beam requirements achieving program-specific test objectives. The preferred candidate has a strong knowledge of laser induced optical damage, and Bi-Directional Reflectance Function (BRDF) measurement.

The Optical Engineer will have a strong foundation in optical engineering principles, laser induced damage, and beam propagation, with demonstrated experience designing beam trains that incorporate optical components such as mirrors, lenses, beam expanders, spatial filters, beam splitters, and alignment systems. The candidate will be proficient in optical modeling and analysis and be capable of optimizing optical system performance while maintaining safe operation of HEL facilities. Verus Research is committed to solving our customer’s most challenging technical problems and seeks solution-oriented individuals to enhance our team’s ability to thrive in this role. This posting is for work in Albuquerque, NM, located on Kirtland Air Force Base.

Primary responsibilities include developing optical layouts for complex test configurations, selecting and specifying optical components, troubleshooting optical alignment and system verification issues, and developing solutions to address optical system anomalies. The candidate will support the local metrology laboratories which focus on laser coupling and BRDF measurements.

The ideal candidate for the Optical Engineer role will possess a strong mix of leadership traits, analytical skills, relevant experience, and the ability to communicate complex ideas and provide innovative solutions. They will be comfortable translating experimental objectives into practical optical system designs, adapting beam train configurations to evolving test requirements, and developing innovative solutions to challenging laser effects testing problems. Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced research environment are essential.

Success in this demanding role will stem from:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related field
• Experience designing beam trains for high-energy or high-power laser systems
• Proficiency with Zemax, OpticStudio, or FRED optical design software
• Experience with beam characterization techniques, wavefront sensing, and laser diagnostics
• Knowledge of laser-material interaction physics and laser-induced damage mechanisms
• Familiarity with motion control systems, opto-mechanical design, and precision alignment techniques
• Knowledge of ANSI Z136 laser safety standards and operation of Class 4 laser systems
• Experience supporting DoD directed energy or survivability/vulnerability testing