Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder

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

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands-on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid-state laser systems in a research laboratory environment.

This a long-term and permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is 100% onsite at headquarters located in Herndon, VA. (Relocation Bonus available!)

This role works closely with laser, mechanical, and electrical engineers to execute builds based on verbal direction, sketches, and evolving documentation, particularly during early-stage prototype development. As systems mature, the technician will also support formalized build and acceptance testing for deliverable hardware intended for operation in demanding environments.

Key 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

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with solid-state laser systems or high-power optical assemblies
• Demonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype laser development programs
• 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

Education

• Bachelor's degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience
  (Relevant experience is valued over formal degree.)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with environmentally ruggedized or packaged laser systems
• Experience with non-linear optics and frequency conversion (e.g., SHG, OPO, OPA)
• Experience performing acceptance or qualification testing
• Experience working in small research teams or defense / government-funded programs
• Comfort serving as a "go-to" lab technician for complex optical builds