Principal Optics/Directed Energy Engineer

Location: Huntsville, AL, USA

Work Location: onsite

• Identify and prioritize future missile defense technologies that close critical capability gaps, with an initial focus on directed energy, and document them in Agency‑level Science & Technology roadmaps.
• Evaluate the feasibility and system‑level benefit of integrating new technologies and concepts from across the DoD into the missile defense architecture.
• Support special study efforts, including concept feasibility experiments, analysis, data integration, and software development for communication technologies.
• Develop risk‑reduction approaches for a broad portfolio of advanced concepts to accelerate state‑of‑the‑art capabilities within current and future missile defense architectures.
• Lead and foster collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate inputs from Chief Technology Officers and identify opportunities for impactful technology development.
• Prepare and deliver clear, accurate briefings and reports for senior leadership across the Services, OSD, and other DoD organizations.
• Provide Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis support for directed energy systems.
• Deliver metric‑based analysis products and executive‑level presentations.
• Provide excellent customer support and communicate effectively with all levels of leadership.

• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI SAP clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, optics, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in DoD acquisition, engineering, test, or technical management.
• Experience supporting classified and special access programs.
• Background in R&D, technology maturation and insertion, analysis, testing, and systems engineering.
• Self‑motivated and proactive in researching and learning new technologies.
• Demonstrated ownership of complex projects with successful outcomes.
• Ability to multitask, handle quick‑turn requests, and produce high‑quality work with minimal oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for producing clear, concise business communications and recommendations.
• Proven success working in a deadline‑driven, service‑intensive environment.
• Ability to build strong relationships and leverage insights across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong leadership, organizational, relationship‑building, and negotiation skills.
• Effective working independently or as part of a development team.

• MS or PhD preferred.
• Experience developing or managing directed energy technologies and prototype systems.
• Experience with hypersonic advanced concepts or strategic mission areas.