Description
The Missions, Concepts, and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking to contingently hire a Laser Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser biological effects and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high-energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high-pulse-power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government-provided laboratory space in San Antonio, TX.
The Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects of lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate serves as a senior technical contributor and subject-matter expert, responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.
This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate's resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. Expected award in the summer of 2026.
Responsibilities
Build and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development
Assist in the development of experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications
Perform precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities
Support the development of 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, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners
Key Skills and Competencies
Demonstrated experience in laser physics and laser system operation
Background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration
Experience 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
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research
Demonstrated experience leading or independently executing complex experimental research efforts
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
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
Experience working with CW and pulsed laser sources
Capability to develop and automate experiments using data acquisition and control software (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar)
Existing TS or TS/SCI clearance
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 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 are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities, and freedom to grow and pursue work that they are passionate about. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com .
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Senior Laser Engineer position.
Qualifications
Behaviors
Required
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Required
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Optical Sciences
Experience
Required
5-7 years: Progressive experience in laser and optical laboratory research
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
