Sr. Optical Amplifier Engineer - Advanced Photonics Systems

About the role

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. We are seeking a Senior Optical Amplifier Engineer to join our Advanced Photonics Systems team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of high-power, narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers for spectral beam combining (SBC) and advanced photonics applications.
• Develop proof-of-concept fiber amplifier designs for cutting-edge free-space optical and advanced laser systems.
• Support the design, fabrication, test, and characterization of prototype high-power fiber amplifier hardware.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team on thermal management, optical packaging, beam quality optimization, and automation of high-power fiber amplifier subsystems.
• Interface with Supply Chain to identify and qualify suppliers for specialty optical components (pump diodes, gain fiber, fiber components, end caps, etc.) and support cost optimization.
• Conduct engineering analysis and trade studies across amplifier architectures, power scaling approaches, and make/buy decisions.
• Support vendor outreach and technical evaluation, including engagements with national labs and specialty optics suppliers.
• Communicate technical updates and design decisions to cross-functional teams and program leadership.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., high-power lasers, optics, photonics, or aerospace hardware).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in optics, photonics, and high-power fiber laser development projects.
• Experience in the design and simulation of high-power, narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers using Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (YDFA) technology.
• Experience with spectral beam combining (SBC) or coherent beam combining (CBC) architectures for high-power laser applications.
• Knowledge of non-linear optical processes relevant to power scaling, including stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), four-wave mixing, and self-phase modulation, along with mitigation techniques.
• Experience with large-mode-area (LMA) and polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fibers, including fiber handling, splicing considerations, and mode instability mitigation.
• Knowledge of thermal management approaches for kW-class fiber amplifiers.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of optical and fiber laser systems using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, Mathcad, Zemax, RP Fiber Power, or equivalent.
• Experience with high-power laser systems for aerospace applications.
• An MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., high-power lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).
• Hands-on experience scaling fiber amplifiers to the kW class with a roadmap toward higher power levels.
• Experience with Free-Space Optics (FSO), beam director, and/or adaptive optics systems.
• Previous experience in the aerospace industry.
• Detailed knowledge of part selection, radiation effects, and qualification for space applications.
• Experience leading or supporting technical teams through multiple successful product deliveries.
• Knowledge of and experience with fiber Bragg gratings, volume Bragg gratings, dichroic optics, and diffractive gratings used in SBC architectures.
• Experience collaborating with national labs or specialty optics vendors.
• A PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.