Principal Optics/Directed Energy Engineer

Cenith Innovations LLC; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) seeks a Principal Optics/Directed Energy Engineer to lead the development and production of directed energy systems.

You will provide high-level engineering and acquisition support for advanced weapons, sensor systems, and cutting-edge tech at Von Braun III on Redstone Arsenal. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience, including DoD program leadership, and a strong track record in research, analysis, and systems engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, optics or related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in DoD acquisition, engineering, test, or technical management.
• Active TS/SCI SAP clearance and experience with classified programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize future missile defense technologies, starting with directed energy.
• Evaluate integration of new tech into missile defense architectures and programs.
• Lead studies, analysis, data integration, and software development for communications.
• Develop risk-reduction approaches across a broad concept portfolio.
• Lead collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and brief senior leadership.
• Coordinate inputs from CTOs and identify opportunities for technology development.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Leadership

Communication skills

Multitasking

DoD acquisition

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, optics

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Modeling & Simulation

Analysis tools

Software development

Job description

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Principal Optics/Directed Energy Engineer with strong experience in the development and production of directed energy systems. In this role, you will provide high-level engineering and acquisition support for advanced weapons, sensor systems, and cutting-edge technologies. You will support the Missile Defense Agency's Advanced Technology Division at Von Braun III on Redstone Arsenal, working across a diverse community of science and technology partners from multiple government agencies.

This position provides the opportunity to influence next-generation missile defense capabilities by exploring emerging concepts, assessing breakthrough technologies, and shaping risk-based development and integration strategies. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, collaborative, and comfortable leading technical efforts in a fast-paced program environment.

Key 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.

Required 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.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• MS or PhD preferred.
• Experience developing or managing directed energy technologies and prototype systems.
• Experience with hypersonic advanced concepts or strategic mission areas.