Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

NSS; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

NSS is seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of advanced solid-state laser systems for airborne and space-based government aerospace programs.

This role combines deep technical authority with program leadership, guiding laser subsystem design, modeling, and qualification, and mentoring junior engineers while coordinating with systems, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in solid-state laser development (2–8+ years post-graduate).
• Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small engineering teams.
• Deep expertise in laser resonator design, gain media physics, thermal management, nonlinear optics, or single-frequency operation.
• Experience designing and modeling: high peak power/high pulse energy systems, MOPA, nonlinear frequency conversion (OPO/OPA).
• Strong proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g. Zemax).
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead development of advanced solid-state laser systems including: oscillators, MOPA, OPO/OPA, narrow-linewidth lasers, and frequency conversion stages.
• Own cavity design, gain modeling, thermal analysis, and system energetics.
• Lead nonlinear optics development and frequency conversion optimization.
• Guide LIDAR transmitter laser development for airborne and space platforms.
• Perform system-level optical modeling and tolerance analysis (Zemax).
• Ensure performance, reliability, and environmental robustness.
• Support customer interactions and government technical reviews.

Skills

Solid-state lasers

Laser design

Optical modeling

Zemax

Leadership

Team mentoring

Security clearance

Airborne/space hardware

Education

MS/PhD in Physics/Optical/Electrical

Tools

MATLAB

Zemax

Job description

Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of advanced solid-state laser systems for airborne and space-based government aerospace programs.

This individual will serve as both a deep technical authority and a program catalyst — leading laser system design while motivating cross-functional teams to execute on aggressive technical milestones. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical and modeling expertise with demonstrated experience pushing complex hardware programs from concept through integration and qualification.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Architect and lead development of advanced solid-state laser systems including:
  • Oscillators (linear and ring)
  • MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) architectures
  • OPO/OPA systems
  • Single-frequency / narrow-linewidth lasers
  • Frequency conversion stages (SHG, THG, nonlinear mixing)
• Own cavity design, gain modeling, thermal analysis, and system energetics
• Lead nonlinear optics development and frequency conversion optimization
• Guide LIDAR transmitter laser development for airborne and space platforms
• Perform system-level optical modeling and tolerance analysis (Zemax)
• Ensure performance, reliability, and environmental robustness

Program Execution & Team Leadership

• Serve as technical lead for laser subsystem programs
• Translate high-level requirements into executable technical plans
• Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone execution
• Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategies
• Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists
• Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum
• Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams
• Support customer interactions and government technical reviews

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in solid-state laser development (2–8+ years post-graduate experience depending on degree)
• Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small engineering teams
• Demonstrated deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:
  • Laser resonator stability and design
  • Gain media physics and thermal management
  • Nonlinear optics and frequency conversion
  • Single longitudinal mode and narrow-linewidth operation
• Experience designing and modeling:
  • High peak power or high pulse energy systems
  • MOPA systems
  • Nonlinear frequency conversion, OPO/OPA architectures
• Strong proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g. Zemax)
• Experience delivering hardware into airborne or space environments preferred
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing laser systems for LIDAR applications
• Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser expertise
• Experience with environmental qualification (e.g. thermal, vibration, vacuum)
• Radiation effects awareness for space-based systems
• Experience working on DoD or aerospace prime contracts
• Track record of taking laser systems from concept to flight qualification

Leadership Profile We’re Seeking

• Naturally assumes ownership of technical outcomes
• Drives momentum — does not wait for direction
• Communicates clearly with engineers, management, and customers
• Balances deep physics rigor with practical program execution
• Mentors junior staff and raises overall team capability
• Comfortable operating in high-visibility, mission-critical programs

Why This Role Matters

This role will directly shape next-generation airborne and space-based laser systems that support critical aerospace and national security missions. The right candidate will not only design exceptional laser architectures but will elevate the performance of the entire team.