Senior Solid-State Laser Systems Engineer (Onsite)

NSS; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NSS is seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to lead hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in our Herndon, VA laboratory. This permanent, onsite role collaborates with laser, mechanical, and electrical engineers on prototype builds and formal acceptance testing for deliverables.

The position requires 5+ years of hands-on laser experience, strong optical alignment skills, and a detail-oriented approach to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with solid-state laser systems or high-power optical assemblies.
• Strong background in optical alignment, resonator setup, and laser diagnostics.
• Proven ability to execute complex builds based on verbal guidance and evolving requirements.
• High attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Independently assemble, integrate, and align solid-state laser systems and subsystems.
• Build and align laser resonators, amplifiers, and non-linear frequency conversion modules.
• Support integration of lasers into mechanically and environmentally robust packaged systems.
• Execute optical alignment and troubleshooting with minimal supervision.
• Support early-stage prototype builds where procedures and designs may evolve.
• Perform performance characterization and diagnostic testing under engineering guidance.
• Execute formal acceptance and qualification testing for deliverable systems.
• Interpret verbal instructions, sketches, and partial documentation and translate them into high-quality hardware.
• Identify workmanship issues, integration risks, or build-related improvements and communicate them to the technical team.
• Accurately document configurations, alignment settings, and test results.
• Maintain lab organization, tooling, and laser safety practices.
• Serve as an experienced lab resource for best practices and informal mentoring.

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Optical alignment

Resonator setup

Laser diagnostics

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Associate degree

Technical certification

Job description

NSS is seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to lead hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in our Herndon, VA laboratory. This permanent, onsite role collaborates with laser, mechanical, and electrical engineers on prototype builds and formal acceptance testing for deliverables.

The position requires 5+ years of hands-on laser experience, strong optical alignment skills, and a detail-oriented approach to