Senior Laser Engineer

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The Missions, Concepts, and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Senior Laser Engineer 2 to join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will lead the operation and maintenance of the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives, including high‑energy lasers, titanium‑sapphire lasers, femtosecond lasers, high‑energy continuous‑wave lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators.

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

• 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, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDC), academic, and industry partners.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.

• Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
• Strong background in optical system design, free‑space and fiber‑based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
• Proficiency in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
• Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Capability to develop and automate experiments using data acquisition and control software (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory results into mission‑relevant insights and recommendations.
• Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10‑12 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Demonstrated experience leading or independently executing complex experimental research efforts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

• MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with DoD laboratories.
• Background in mission‑relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser‑matter interactions.
• Existing TS or TS/SCI clearance.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA currently employs over 1,200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics. At ARA, employees benefit from ownership‑based incentives, continuous learning opportunities, and a culture that values innovation and experimentation. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit

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