Laser Systems Hardware Engineering Lead

Posted 10 Days Ago
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Merrimack, NH, USA
Hybrid
133K-226K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Leads development and maturation of EO/IR laser hardware systems, including optical analysis, vendor support, subsystem design, prototype integration, laboratory testing, validation, requirements documentation, customer presentations, proposals, and cross-functional technical leadership. Provides manufacturing and supplier support, mentors engineers, and contributes to schedules, budgets, program plans, and lifecycle activities. Requires approximately 10% domestic travel and an active Secret clearance.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Laser Systems Hardware Engineering Lead to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicants will support assignments in EO/IR systems, precision pointing, lens design and other complex EO/IR product design/development at our southern New Hampshire locations. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that serve a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications.
The Hardware Lead for Laser Systems will lead a team in the development and maturation of advanced EOIR Laser systems across our laser portfolio in the CEMA business area. Responsibilities include hardare engineering lead duties for laser subsystem, optical component measurements, optical vendor support, performance improvement, generating optical engineering tasks, generating schedule/budgets, analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, be self-guided, generate solutions to complex programs, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects. Successful candidate will have a depth of knowledge and is considered a subject matter expert for optical architecture and optical system design.
Primary duties and responsibilities include:
1. Laser Systems Hardware Lead with broad knowledge of Optical and Laser Systems for EO/IR Technology.
2. Optical Vendor Support which requires optical manufacturing and coating knowledge
3. Self-guided to solve complex problems and is viewed as a subject matter expert in optics and EO/IR technology, with the ability to mentor junior engineers
4. Contribute to program plans and proposals, schedules and design for optical subsystems.
5. Devise and execute laboratory demonstrations of prototypes and Lead/Assist with integration of assemblies into systems.
6. Customer presentations and informal interactions in support of programs.
7. Contribute to program progress reports.
8. Develops solutions to complex problems and often works independently to resolve issues.
9. Ability to travel ~ 10% for optical supplier support
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  1. The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding in one or more of the following: Lasers, Laser Systems, Laser Optics, Precision Pointing, EOIR Systems, Optical Systems
  2. Experience with optics manufacturing, manufacturing process and coatings
  3. Strong Optical Industry knowledge to help inform supplier selection, material selection, etc
  4. Experience with optical analysis, optical metrology and optical component testing
  5. Experience Integrating and testing hardware and optical components and subsystems in a laboratory environment
  6. Experience/ability/knowledge of laser damage threshold
  7. Experience presenting proposals/designs to customers (internal and external)
  8. Ability to collect, analyze, and document EO/IR hardware requirements
  9. Ability to support proposals
  10. Willingness to provide manufacturing support for optical test equipment
  11. Effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and a positive, can-do attitude
  12. Experience with various phases of lifecycle management including: concept, early development, initial prototype, production and sustainment
  13. Experience working with cross functional teams, and strong collaboration in doing so.
  14. Domestic Travel: Up to 10%

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Must currently possess a secret clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Skills Required

  • In-depth knowledge of lasers, laser systems, laser optics, precision pointing, EO/IR systems, or optical systems
  • Experience with optics manufacturing, manufacturing processes, and optical coatings
  • Strong optical industry knowledge for supplier and material selection
  • Experience with optical analysis, optical metrology, and optical component testing
  • Experience integrating and testing hardware and optical components and subsystems in a laboratory environment
  • Experience or knowledge of laser damage thresholds
  • Experience presenting proposals and designs to internal and external customers
  • Ability to collect, analyze, and document EO/IR hardware requirements
  • Ability to support proposals
  • Willingness to provide manufacturing support for optical test equipment
  • Effective oral and written communication and strong interpersonal skills
  • Experience across concept, early development, prototype, production, and sustainment lifecycle phases
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and collaborating effectively
  • Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%
  • Currently possess a Secret security clearance

What the Team is Saying

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The Company
HQ: Falls Church, VA
40,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1999

What We Do

Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.

Why Work With Us

We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.

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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.

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