IGNITE/ACES is seeking an Research Oriented Electro-Optical Engineer with expertise in the development and demonstration of linear and nonlinear optical systems and devices. You should have experience in the characterization and optimization of components for linear and nonlinear optical systems, including lasers/amplifiers and frequency conversion devices, familiarity with current state-of-the-art in solid state lasers/amplifiers and nonlinear optical materials, and experience with the characterization and optimization of laser and nonlinear optical systems. Knowledge and experience packaging photonics components, subsystems and systems for experimental payloads is desired. Knowledge of related laser-based remote sensing technologies is desired, including coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric science.
Role & Responsibilities
• Specification and selection of linear and/or nonlinear optical components and technologies
• Design and construction of lasers, linear optical (imaging and non-imaging) and nonlinear optical systems
• Evaluation of predicted optical system performance through computational modeling, data acquisition and analysis
• Laboratory testing and experimental demonstration
• Prototype development, especially for experimental space payloads
• System analysis and integration
• Field demonstration
• Contribution to summary reports, oral presentations, and/or technical proposals is expected.
Standard Job Description: Conducts research and plans development and design of gas and solid state lasers, masers, infrared, and other light emitting and light sensitive devices. Designs electronic circuitry and optical components with specific characteristics to fit within specified mechanical limits and to perform according to specifications. May conduct application analysis to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military or other use for electro-optical devices. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
• Undergraduate degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or related fields is required.
• Expertise in the design, modeling and analysis of lasers, linear (imaging and non-imaging) systems and nonlinear optical systems and devices, including laser resonators, amplifiers, optical communications links, photonics components, laser radar, and parametric frequency converters.
• Significant experience in one or more of the following areas: customized simulations of laser physics and quantum opto-electronics, diffractive beam propagation, thermo-optic effects and parametric processes
• Experience in the construction of laboratory and field-testing of lasers, linear (imaging and non-imaging) systems and nonlinear optical systems and devices, including laser resonators, amplifiers, optical communications links, laser radar, and parametric frequency converters.
• Ability to obtain & maintain US government security clearance
- Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or related fields is required.strongly desired.
- Familiarity with optical design and analysis software tools. Examples include Zemax, FRED, GLAD, Code-V and LASCAD.
- Familiarity with laboratory development and modeling software tools (i.e. Matlab/Simulink, Labview, and Mathcad).
- Knowledge of related laser-based remote sensing technologies (i.e. coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric sciences, optical detection, signal/image processing).
- Expertise in aspects of: Laser and NLO Modeling Theory, custom modeling of laser gain dynamics, thermal effects resulting from these gain dynamics, diffraction analysis of laser resonators and optical beam trains, nonlinear frequency conversion techniques (harmonic generation, sum frequency mixing, optical parametric amplification, etc.) and various other nonlinear optical scattering processes (Raman Scattering, Brillouin Scattering, etc.).
- Expertise in Quantum Opto-electronic systems.
- Field-related contacts/network.
- Ideally experienced with both product development and technology development organizations.
- Expertise in high-power ruggedized nanosecond-pulsed and continuous-wave solid state laser systems is desired.
- Expertise in directed energy systems is of interest.
- Technical leadership of laser and NLO hardware transition to high TRL (for terrestrial, airborne, and/or space applications).
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110300.00 - $204900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Skills Required
- Undergraduate degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
- Expertise designing, modeling, and analyzing lasers, linear and nonlinear optical systems and devices
- Significant experience with customized laser physics or quantum opto-electronics simulations, diffractive beam propagation, thermo-optic effects, or parametric processes
- Experience constructing and field-testing lasers, optical systems, optical communications links, laser radar, and parametric frequency converters
- Ability to obtain and maintain a United States government security clearance
- Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
- Familiarity with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax, FRED, GLAD, Code V, or LASCAD
- Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, or Mathcad
- Knowledge of laser-based remote sensing, optical detection, signal or image processing, and atmospheric science
- Expertise in laser and nonlinear optical modeling, gain dynamics, thermal effects, diffraction analysis, nonlinear frequency conversion, Raman scattering, or Brillouin scattering
- Expertise in quantum opto-electronic systems
- Experience with high-power ruggedized nanosecond-pulsed or continuous-wave solid-state laser systems
- Experience with directed energy systems and transitioning laser hardware to higher technology readiness levels
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance
Lockheed Martin Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lockheed Martin and has not been reviewed or approved by Lockheed Martin.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout element, with a strong 401(k) program and options like an employee stock purchase plan. Feedback suggests these features meaningfully enhance total compensation and long‑term financial security.
-
Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is portrayed as comprehensive from day one, with multiple plan options, mental health resources, and virtual care. Wellness supports such as on‑site services and preventive programs are also highlighted.
-
Flexible Benefits — Work arrangements often include compressed schedules and telework, contributing to a favorable work‑life balance. Feedback suggests this flexibility is a key reason many view the overall package positively.
Lockheed Martin Insights
What We Do
Customer Focus, Innovation and Purpose are Built Into Everything We Do. Lockheed Martin. Your Mission is Ours ™. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
