Senior High-Energy Laser Program Engineer

Actalent; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Poway, CA is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to own cradle-to-grave execution of complex laser defense programs, focusing on implementation rather than system design. You will coordinate with Program Manager and Chief Engineer in a Triad leadership model, manage budgets, tasks, risk, and staffing, and serve as the technical lead for program execution.

Candidates should have 12+ years in engineering or project roles, experience with high energy lasers, and be able to obtain a U.S.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant engineering and/or project engineering experience.
• Direct experience with solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, High Energy lasers, or high power laser systems.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals including requirements flow-down and system interplay.
• Familiarity with design review milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a high-level U.S. government security clearance.
• Engineering or related technical degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own program execution from cradle-to-grave, including proposal phase, award, execution, and closeout.
• Shape the program baseline by allocating budgets, setting technical tasks, and scheduling post-contract award.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for program execution, identifying risks and developing solutions.
• Support Integrated Project Teams by resolving cross-subsystem disagreements to optimize overall system performance.
• Coordinate with functional managers to build and staff the right team for program needs.
• Support internal budget negotiations and represent the program in follow-on proposal activities.
• Contribute to technical design reviews by preparing system readiness packages and collaborating with the Chief Engineer.

Skills

Execution ownership

Program management

Lasers (high energy)

Systems engineering fundamentals

Security clearance

MS Project

SolidWorks

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Project

WBS/IMS

EVM

Job description

Actalent in Poway, CA is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to own cradle-to-grave execution of complex laser defense programs, focusing on implementation rather than system design. You will coordinate with Program Manager and Chief Engineer in a Triad leadership model, manage budgets, tasks, risk, and staffing, and serve as the technical lead for program execution.

Candidates should have 12+ years in engineering or project roles, experience with high energy lasers, and be able to obtain a U.S.