Senior Scientist Photonic and Laser Systems

RTX; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 329,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Eligible

Job summary

RTX in the United States is seeking a senior technical leader to steer laser, optical, and RF photonic system development across multiple programs. You will architect integrated photonics solutions, lead end‑to‑end engineering efforts, and drive hands‑on prototyping and testing in a security‑critical environment.

The role requires a deep background in photonics and RF photonics, extensive system engineering experience, and the ability to mentor engineering teams while coordinating with

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field.
• 15+ years designing laser, optical, and electro‑optical systems for defense/high‑reliability use.
• Experience integrating RF photonics with laser/optical systems.
• Experience developing and integrating prototype optical systems and embedded control.
• Experience modeling/ simulating optical/photonic systems (EDFAs, fiber lasers, atmospheric propagation).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for laser, photonic, and RF photonic systems across programs.
• Architect integrated optical/RF systems with high‑power fiber lasers and RF‑over‑fiber links.
• Lead end‑to‑end system engineering: link budgets, propagation modeling, power chain analysis.
• Direct embedded control development for optical/RF subsystems.
• Drive hands‑on prototyping, alignment, verification, and testing in the lab.
• Mentor junior engineers and grow photonics capability across the organization.

Skills

Security clearance

Citizenship

System engineering

Photomics

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Electrical Engineering

Physics

Photonic related degree

Job description

Location

US-VA-DULLES-710 ~ 22110 Pacific Blvd ~ BLDG 10

Date Posted

2026-11-13

Country

United States of America

Position Role Type

Hybrid

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type

Top Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

What you will do

• Serve as the senior technical authority for laser, photonic, and RF photonic systems across multiple programs and divisions within Raytheon.
• Architect integrated optical/RF systems incorporating high‑power fiber lasers, doped fiber amplifiers, EDFA/ROADM subsystems, free‑space optical terminals, and RF‑over‑fiber photonic links.
• Lead end‑to‑end system engineering including:
• Optical & RF link budgets
• Atmospheric propagation modeling
• Laser/optical power chain analysis
• High‑speed modulation and RF photonics signal transport
• Optical modem waveform development and optimization
• Direct the development of embedded control algorithms for real‑time optical and RF photonic subsystems.
• Drive hands‑on laboratory prototyping, alignment, verification, optical assembly integration, and optical communications testing.
• Provide Fellow‑level technical leadership for IRAD strategy, technology maturation, competitive discrimination, and capture activities.
• Engage with government stakeholders for technical reviews, demonstrations, and concept development aligned to the Photonic Systems’ mission needs.
• Interface closely with manufacturing engineering, supply chain partners, and vendors to transition prototypes to production‑ready designs.
• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams across optical design, RF engineering, embedded firmware, and system architecture.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers; grow internal photonics and RF photonics capability across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and an active DoD TOP SECRET security clearance.
• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or another directly related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of professional experience designing laser, optical, and electro‑optical systems for defense or high‑reliability applications.
• Experience integrating RF photonics with laser and optical systems, including RF signal modulation, RF‑over‑fiber architectures, and photonic control systems.
• Experience developing and integrating prototype optical systems, including optical alignment, system testing, verification, and embedded control development.
• Experience modeling and simulating optical and photonic systems using analytical or computational methods, including fiber lasers, atmospheric propagation, Raman and erbium‑doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), and transient control models.
• Experience developing embedded firmware for high‑speed optical and RF control systems, including closed‑loop control applications.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing reconfigurable optical add‑drop multiplexers (ROADMs), EDFA transient suppression algorithms, wavelength‑selective switch (WSS) systems, or RF photonic switching architectures.
• Experience with EO/IR countermeasure systems, high‑power laser effects, or atmospheric physics applied to DoD or Intelligence Community mission requirements.
• Experience designing and implementing automated test systems, optical manufacturing processes, or yield improvement strategies.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: quantum optics, advanced photonics, nonlinear fiber optics, or free‑space laser communication systems.
• Experience collaborating with defense prime contractors, component vendors, and manufacturing partners to advance technologies from prototype development to system integration or production.
• Experience supporting technical capture activities, preparing technical proposals, and conducting technical discussions with customers.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, with responsibility for technical design decisions, system integration, and project execution.

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• Relocation Eligible

Learn More & Apply Now!

DMV: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-dmv-location

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 172,900 USD - 328,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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