Energy Laser Scientist​/Modeler

Job Summary

Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real‑world applications? Are you searching for meaningful work in high‑energy laser science? Are you hoping to join a dynamic, innovative team? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to help us advance our capabilities in modeling and simulation of high‑energy lasers. As a member of the High Energy Laser Systems & Technologies section in the Optics and Photonics Group, you will develop and apply modeling and simulation tools to inform decision makers in the defense community and solve critical challenges related to high‑power lasers and laser weapon systems.

• Identify technical courses of action to meet sponsor requirements, lead small teams, and mentor junior staff.
• Conceptualize, develop, and apply analytic and numerical models related to novel high‑energy continuous‑wave and pulsed lasers, laser‑beam control, and laser‑matter interactions.
• Identify and characterize solutions to overcome critical sponsor challenges related to laser sensing and laser weapon systems.
• Contribute modeling expertise to high‑energy laser engagement simulations, ranging from scaling‑law analysis codes to high‑fidelity physics‑based tools.
• Document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams, external sponsors, and the broader high‑energy laser community.

• Possess an M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, optics, chemistry, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems, OR a B.S. degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience working with numerical modeling tools.
• Have prior experience developing numerical modeling tools to simulate laser propagation through the atmosphere and/or high‑power laser interactions with materials.
• Have demonstrated success working in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and agile team capable of adapting to evolving mission objectives.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Are willing to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. You must be a U.S. citizen.

• Have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, optics, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems.
• Have prior experience modeling laser weapon systems, their propagation through the atmosphere, and/or interaction with materials.
• Have prior experience developing nonlinear propagation codes for simulating pulsed lasers.
• Have demonstrated the ability to identify critical solutions to sponsor needs and develop projects, programs, and plans in support of those needs.
• Have interest and/or experience in fields related to high‑energy lasers such as laser‑beam control, optical materials, applied spectroscopy, optical remote sensing, advanced photonics, optical system design, and optical communications.
• Have an active Top Secret or higher clearance.

$105,000 – $290,000 annually

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Accommodations.