Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

About Applied Energetics

Applied Energetics is redefining the state of the art in ultrashort pulse laser and directed energy technologies for defense and national security applications. Guided by our vision, "
Directed Energy, Anywhere
", we build compact, high‑performance systems that protect the warfighter and enable decisive advantages across the modern battlespace.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in the design, integration, and ruggedization of our laser hardware, beam delivery systems, and optical subsystems for next generation directed energy platforms. In this role you will be part of our multidisciplinary engineering team executing our mission by pioneering scalable ultrashort pulse directed energy solutions that defend and secure our nation's future
.

• Lead the mechanical design and packaging of fiber and free‑space oscillator and amplifier modules, and precision optical assemblies.
• Design mechanical assemblies for fiber laser and amplifier sub‑systems such as pump modules, fiber trays, fiber splices, and connectors.
• Design mechanical assemblies for free‑space laser and amplifier sub‑systems such as pump modules, gain modules, fixed and adjustable optical mounts, and alignment fixtures.
• Perform thermal analysis of the designs considering conductive, convective, and radiative cooling of solid and fluid components. Use these models to optimize thermo‑mechanical performance.
• Perform structural analysis of the designs to optimize performance in terms of stiffness, vibration, shock, and fatigue.
• Build and maintain complete 3D CAD models of the mechanical designs.
• Produce and maintain engineering drawings, system BOMs (bills of materials) and other engineering and design documentation.
• Identify and work with vendors to procure high‑quality, cost‑optimized parts in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary design team with hands‑on prototype assembly, characterization, and testing to validate design criteria for stability, repeatability, and survivability under field conditions.

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in mechanical engineering or closely related disciplines.
• A strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Hands‑on experience with laser and optical systems design and integration.
• In‑depth experience with the analysis of thermo‑mechanical and fluid‑mechanical systems, together with methods for designing thermally optimized systems.
• A deep understanding of materials and their properties and how they affect the system performance of important mechanical requirements such as strength, stability, rigidity, thermo‑mechanical performance, and endurance.
• Demonstrated experience designing systems for optical alignment stability and environmental survivability in SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power)‑optimized architectures.
• Past experience designing for manufacturability considering metrics such as quality, cost, and ease of manufacture.
• Experience designing for performance, reliability, and safety as defined by MIL‑STD or similar specifications.
• S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

• Familiarity designing ultrashort pulse laser products.
• Experience working in DoD or aerospace systems development environments.

• Extensive experience with computer design, simulation, and analysis software such as Solid Works, ANSYS, COMSOL or equivalents.
• The ability to contribute as part of a multidisciplinary team to successfully bring complex optical technologies to market.
• Innovative thinker with solid analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced engineering environment with evolving requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to translate and explain complex ideas to non‑experts.
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team collaborating closely with optical, electrical, software, and systems engineers.
• Demonstrate AE's core values of Trust
  , Innovation
  , Quality
  , Agility
  , and Bold Leadership
  .