Directed Energy Systems Safety Lead

Worker Type

Regular

AV is a leading innovator in the development and deployment of cutting‑edge technologies in the fields of optics and laser systems; we are currently seeking a highly motivated Mid to Senior Level Safety Engineer with a strong background in safety implementation for directed energy technologies to join our dynamic team efforts on a ground‑based program.

The ideal person would have experience executing large ACAT‑1 or equivalent programs. Safety Engineers on this program will collaborate with small and large teams working on a variety of tasks and responsibilities including:

• Conducting analyses like Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) to identify potential hazards.
• Assessing risks using both quantitative and qualitative methods to support design choices and recommend controls.
• Evaluating failure modes, effects, and criticality in analyses
• Reviewing and assessing system designs, plans, and specifications for safety compliance.
• Preparing and delivering safety‑related documentation, such as System Safety Hazard Assessments (SSHA) and Safety Assessment Reports (SAR).
• Ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), military, and other applicable safety standards and policies.
• Reviewing contractor documents and change requests for safety implications.
• Working with multidisciplinary teams, including design, development, and test engineers.
• Communicating with stakeholders like government officials and contractors to address safety concerns.
• Develop and implement testing protocols for lasers, optical or electrical components and systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and specifications.
• Coordinate and conduct integration and validation activities across mechanical, optical, electrical, and software domains
• Support risk assessments, failure mode analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Aptitude in collaborative problem solving to resolve engineering issues on projects.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including hardware, software, and test engineers, to integrate laser and optics‑based solutions into larger systems.
• Support the integration of laser systems with control electronics, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies.
• Participate in design reviews, documentation, and knowledge‑sharing sessions to ensure engineering best practices are followed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in systems modeling tools (e.g., MBSE, SysML), test automation, and data analysis.
• 15 years professional experience with 5 years’ experience in systems engineering with a focus on directed energy systems.
• Experience with high‑powered directed energy systems and directed energy safety protocols.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

• Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Systems Engineering.
• 8 years directly related experience.
• Innoslate familiarity is a plus.
• Experience with directed energy system integration into larger systems
• Experience with power and grounding designs and implementation.
• Experience with EO/IR systems.
• Strong technical writing skills are applicable to engineering documentation (analysis reports, specifications, requirements documents, etc.).
• Familiarity with laser safety standards (ANSI Z136, IEC 60825).
• Experience with Military Systems.
• Experience with Directed Energy Systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Current and active DoD Top Secret security clearance.

No Clearance

Salary range: $91,000 - $138,750

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose…