What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tech Lead: Sr Solid-State Laser Engineer position at NSS?
Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Solid-State Laser Engineer / Technical Lead to drive the architecture, development, and delivery of advanced solid-state laser systems for airborne and space-based government aerospace programs.
This individual will serve as both a deep technical authority and a program catalyst — leading laser system design while motivating cross-functional teams to execute on aggressive technical milestones. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical and modeling expertise with demonstrated experience pushing complex hardware programs from concept through integration and qualification.
Technical Leadership
- Architect and lead development of advanced solid-state laser systems including:
- Oscillators (linear and ring)
- MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) architectures
- OPO/OPA systems
- Single-frequency / narrow-linewidth lasers
- Frequency conversion stages (SHG, THG, nonlinear mixing)
- Own cavity design, gain modeling, thermal analysis, and system energetics
- Lead nonlinear optics development and frequency conversion optimization
- Guide LIDAR transmitter laser development for airborne and space platforms
- Perform system-level optical modeling and tolerance analysis (Zemax)
- Ensure performance, reliability, and environmental robustness
- Serve as technical lead for laser subsystem programs
- Translate high-level requirements into executable technical plans
- Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone execution
- Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategies
- Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists
- Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum
- Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams
- Support customer interactions and government technical reviews
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 5 years of experience in solid-state laser development (2–8 years post-graduate experience depending on degree)
- Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts or small engineering teams
- Demonstrated deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:
- Laser resonator stability and design
- Gain media physics and thermal management
- Nonlinear optics and frequency conversion
- Single longitudinal mode and narrow-linewidth operation
- Experience designing and modeling:
- High peak power or high pulse energy systems
- MOPA systems
- Nonlinear frequency conversion, OPO/OPA architectures
- Strong proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g. Zemax)
- Experience delivering hardware into airborne or space environments preferred
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance
- Experience developing laser systems for LIDAR applications
- Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser expertise
- Experience with environmental qualification (e.g. thermal, vibration, vacuum)
- Radiation effects awareness for space-based systems
- Experience working on DoD or aerospace prime contracts
- Track record of taking laser systems from concept to flight qualification
- Naturally assumes ownership of technical outcomes
- Drives momentum — does not wait for direction
- Communicates clearly with engineers, management, and customers
- Balances deep physics rigor with practical program execution
- Mentors junior staff and raises overall team capability
- Comfortable operating in high-visibility, mission-critical programs
This role will directly shape next-generation airborne and space-based laser systems that support critical aerospace and national security missions. The right candidate will not only design exceptional laser architectures but will elevate the performance of the entire team.