High Energy Laser Scientist / Modeler

About the role

We are seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to help us advance our capabilities in modeling and simulation of high energy lasers. You will work with a dynamic and innovative team to inform decision makers in the defense community about critical challenges related to high power lasers and laser weapon systems.

Responsibilities

• Identify technical courses of action to meet sponsor requirements
• Lead small teams in the execution of these pathways
• Mentor junior staff
• Conceptualize, develop, and apply analytic and numerical models related to novel high energy continuous wave and pulsed lasers, laser beam control, and laser-matter interactions
• Seek to identify and characterize solutions to overcome critical sponsor challenges related to laser sensing and laser weapon systems
• Contribute modeling expertise to high energy laser engagement simulations, ranging from scaling law analysis codes to high fidelity physics-based tools
• Document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams, external sponsors, and the wider high energy laser community

Qualifications

• Possess a M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, optics, chemistry, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years-experience working in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems OR a B.S. degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience working with numerical modeling tools
• Have prior experience developing numerical modeling tools to simulate laser propagation through the atmosphere and/or high power laser interactions with materials
• Have demonstrated success working in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and agile team capable of adapting to evolving mission objectives
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills
• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time as needed
• Be able to obtain a/an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, while fostering an innovative atmosphere across a wide range of skillsets and backgrounds. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspective and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.