Technical Advisor – Optoelectronics Engineering

Mach-20; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mach-20 is seeking an early- to mid-career Optoelectronics Engineer to support government programs in the development of high‑efficiency, wide bandgap lasers from UV to near‑IR. The role requires deep device physics knowledge, materials expertise, and the ability to communicate technical progress to program managers.

The position is on-site in Arlington, VA, with 3–4 days per week as required; U.S. citizenship with an active Secret clearance is required or eligibility considered for exceptional

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field preferred.
• Experience with optoelectronic devices and high-power laser development.
• Familiarity with wide bandgap materials (GaN, AlGaN, SiC, diamond, III-N materials).
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills for briefs, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to evaluate proposals, analyze program data, and provide actionable recommendations to program managers.

Responsibilities

• Support program managers with technical expertise in UV-visible-NIR wide bandgap laser technologies.
• Review, assess, and provide recommendations on contractor research, technical proposals, and program progress.
• Develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation, reports, and briefings for decision-making.
• Facilitate coordination across research performers, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Help ensure efficient execution of government research portfolios by providing objective technical insight and recommendations.

Skills

Optelectronic design

Wide bandgap materials

Device architectures

Technical documentation

Proposal evaluation

Program management

Education

MS/PhD preferred

Job description

Location:

National Capital Region, On-site

Experience:

Early to Mid-Career (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)

Clearance:

U.S. citizenship with an active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred). Exceptional candidates who don’t currently possess a clearance but are eligible will be considered.

MACH-20 is seeking an early- to mid-career Optoelectronics Engineer to provide technical SETA support in the development of high-efficiency, high-power wide bandgap lasers spanning the ultraviolet through visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The candidate will apply expertise in device physics, materials, and architectures to help government program managers evaluate, guide, and communicate advanced research efforts. This position requires strong technical depth, excellent communication skills, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment to ensure program success.

This position is on-site in Arlington, VA (3-4 days/week as required). Non-local candidates will not be considered unless willing to relocate.

Anticipated Start Date: No earlier than November 2025

Requirements

The successful candidate should have knowledge and expertise in areas including:

• Optoelectronic device physics and design, especially semiconductor lasers and emitters
• Wide bandgap materials such as GaN, AlGaN, SiC, diamond, or related III-Nitride and emerging material systems
• Device architectures and fabrication approaches relevant to high-power, high-efficiency laser development
• Technical documentation and communication skills, including the ability to prepare and review technical briefs, reports, and presentations
• Ability to evaluate technical proposals, analyze program data, and provide actionable recommendations to program managers
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent efforts with minimal oversight
• U.S. citizenship and required clearance

Desired Capabilities and Characteristics

• Energetic, detail-oriented self-starter
• Strong ability to work across multidisciplinary teams (physicists, material scientists,systems engineers)
• Patience, persistence, and professionalism in navigating government and contractor environments
• Ability to quickly grasp and contribute to unfamiliar technical areas as needed.
• Self-motivated and able to lead and support in a fast-paced, complex work environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously.
• Flexible and adaptable to evolving project requirements and challenges
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field

Responsibilities

• Support program managers with technical expertise in UV-visible-NIR wide bandgap laser technologies
• Review, assess, and provide recommendations on contractor research, technical proposals, and program progress
• Develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation, reports, and briefings for decision-making
• Facilitate coordination and communication across research performers, contractors, and stakeholders
• Help ensure efficient execution of government research portfolios by providing objective technical insight and actionable recommendations