Senior Optical Systems Engineer: From Lab to Field

Booz Allen Hamilton; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 99,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer with expertise in lasers and optical systems to mature advanced technologies from early‑stage R&D prototypes into robust, field‑deployable hardware. You will lead design, integration, alignment, testing, and verification across multidisciplinary teams.

In this role you will translate research results into engineering requirements and development plans, manage TRL maturation, and drive production readiness while ensuring

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience developing optical, laser, photonic, or electro‑optical systems.
• Experience with optical alignment, characterization, troubleshooting, and integration.
• Experience transitioning prototypes into mature engineering systems or products.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, characterization, and testing of complex optical and laser systems.
• Define system architectures, requirements, specifications, and performance metrics.
• Develop test configurations, and verification methods.
• Troubleshoot and improve optical subsystems and integrated systems with R&D team.
• Translate research results into engineering requirements and development plans.
• Mature prototypes from laboratory demonstrations through engineering development and field deployment.
• Assess performance, reliability, manufacturability, maintainability, and deployment readiness.
• Identify technical risks and establish mitigation strategies.
• Lead design reviews, verification planning, acceptance testing, and technology transfer.
• Provide technical direction to engineers, scientists, technicians, and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Laser systems

Optical alignment

System integration

Team leadership

Experimental methods

Troubleshooting

Beam characterization

Education

Master's degree in optical engineering

Tools

PDH control

Beam profiling tools

Optical measurement tools

Job description

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer with expertise in lasers and optical systems to mature advanced technologies from early‑stage R&D prototypes into robust, field‑deployable hardware. You will lead design, integration, alignment, testing, and verification across multidisciplinary teams.

In this role you will translate research results into engineering requirements and development plans, manage TRL maturation, and drive production readiness while ensuring