VP, Counter Laser & Directed Energy Systems

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) match

Equity opportunity

Job summary

Cambium, based in El Segundo, California, seeks a Vice President, Counter Laser & Directed Energy, to lead dual-use optical materials development for critical defense programs. Own the full optics lifecycle—from basic research to fielded products—and build a high-performing team of scientists and engineers while managing relationships with sponsors, prime contractors, and customers.

This senior role requires deep expertise in photonics, LEP, and directed energy, with a proven track record of

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading development and commercial transition of optical products.
• 3+ years managing government contracts (DoD, DARPA, or similar).
• US citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.
• Master's or PhD strongly preferred.
• Excellent cross-functional communication across teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow optical materials R&D programs and set technical strategy.
• Manage government contracts and programs, ensuring milestones, budgets and deliverables.
• Oversee development of optical products from concept through production.
• Prioritize and resource optics-related efforts across programs.
• Align optics roadmap with Cambium's broader material strategy.

Skills

Photonics

LEP

Counter-Directed Energy

Optical materials

Coatings

Optical design

Fabrication

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD

Job description

Cambium, based in El Segundo, California, seeks a Vice President, Counter Laser & Directed Energy, to lead dual-use optical materials development for critical defense programs. Own the full optics lifecycle—from basic research to fielded products—and build a high-performing team of scientists and engineers while managing relationships with sponsors, prime contractors, and customers.

This senior role requires deep expertise in photonics, LEP, and directed energy, with a proven track record of