Senior Engineer - Research in Laser Effects

Posted Yesterday
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Albuquerque, NM, USA
Hybrid
88K-150K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Performs end-to-end modeling and simulation of high-energy laser systems and thermo-optical effects on defense systems. Develops Python and MATLAB tools, integrates experimental and sensor data, automates analysis, quantifies uncertainty, and presents technical findings. Collaborates with government, contracting, and cross-functional teams to support engineering recommendations, predictive modeling, scenario evaluation, and post-test analytics. Requires expertise in thermal, optical, and laser physics, software modeling, data visualization, and technical communications.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
BAE Systems Space & Missions Systems is looking for a well-qualified research analyst to perform end-to-end modeling and simulation to evaluate performance of high-energy laser systems and thermo-optical effects on complex defense systems. You will collaborate across multiple government and contracting teams to design, simulate, and report results for critical engineering recommendations. This role combines knowledge of thermal, optical, and atmosphere physics with optimization methods. You will quickly learn and apply information from academic papers, test reports, data sheets, and CAD models to solve challenging and dynamic problems in laser effects.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and solid execution.
What You'll Do:
  • Work on challenging problems in teams and individually.
  • Write, modify, and upgrade functions and scripts in Python and MATLAB.
  • Write and present technical reports and presentations to team and customers.
  • Design models, run simulations, automate software, process data, visualize results.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers, contribute to proposals and presentations, and guide technical execution throughout the analysis process.
  • Develop and perform analysis methods, plans, progress updates and reports.
  • Build and maintain pre-processing and post-processing tools for modeling and simulation.
  • Integrate experimental data, sensor outputs, and simulation results into cohesive thermal and system-level assessments.
  • Operate and improve software tools and methods for greater accuracy and speed.
  • Analyze and quantify analysis results with statistical rigor, i.e. error propagation, uncertainty quantification, and sensitivity analysis.
  • Support planning and execution through predictive modeling, scenario evaluation, and post-test data analytics.
  • Present complex modeling insights to non-technical stakeholders, project managers, and partner teams.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
  • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
  • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 4 or more years related experience.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required.
  • Experience in software modeling in development in languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
  • Solid understanding of thermal, optical, laser physics.
  • Experience with data automation, analysis and visualization.
  • Experience writing technical communications.
#LI-NP1
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Experience with optimization like non-linear, surrogate models, or machine learning.
  • Knowledge of design of experiments (DOE) methods, software like Sandia Dakota.
  • Solid understanding of high-energy laser interactions.
  • Experience in image processing.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $88189 - $149922
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, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
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.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related technical field
  • Four or more years of related experience; higher-level degrees may substitute for experience
  • Current, active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience developing software models in Python, MATLAB, or C++
  • Solid understanding of thermal, optical, and laser physics
  • Experience with data automation, analysis, and visualization
  • Experience writing technical communications
  • Experience with nonlinear optimization, surrogate models, or machine learning
  • Knowledge of design of experiments methods and software such as Sandia Dakota
  • Solid understanding of high-energy laser interactions
  • Experience in image processing

What the Team is Saying

BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support — Retirement benefits stand out with a 401(k) savings plan and company matching, emphasizing long-term financial security. This area is consistently positioned as one of the stronger components of the package.
  • Parental & Family Support — Family programs are notably broad, including paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, dependent‑care accounts, and child‑ and elder‑care resources. In the U.S., up to 10 subsidized days of backup care per year further support caregivers.
  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage spans medical, dental, and vision options alongside HSAs/FSAs, mental‑health support, and an Employee Assistance Program. The breadth of offerings provides solid baseline protection across common healthcare needs.

BAE Systems, Inc. Insights

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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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About our Teams

BAE Systems, Inc. Offices

Hybrid Workspace

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.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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HQBAE Systems, Inc. headquarters
Annapolis Junction, MD
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Austin, TX
Boulder, CO
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Space & Mission Systems headquarters
Burlington, MA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dallas, TX
Endicott, NY
Fort Wayne, IN
Greenlawn, NY
Huntsville, AL
Jacksonville, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Maple Grove, MN
Intelligence & Security headquarters
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Redmond, WA
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
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Sterling Heights, MI
Washington, DC
Wayne, NJ
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