Senior Laser Engineer

The Missions, Concepts, and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc.

(ARA) is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting.

The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives.

The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators.

Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs.  Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space. 

The Senior Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment.

This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects of lasers on biological tissues and vision.

The candidate serves as a senior technical contributor and subject-matter expert, responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in Spring 2026.

Responsibilities


* Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.


* Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.


* Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.


* Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.


* Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.


* Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.


* Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.


* Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.


* Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.


* Provide technical leadership a...