Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

This role is an on-site position based in Beavercreek, OH . Our Laser Systems Integration facility focuses on building high energy lasers for the defense market, supporting critical national security initiatives and defense innovation. At Attalon, we’re redefining performance, precision, and reliability in defense technologies.

Attalon, within the Laser Systems Division of the Directed Energy & Advanced Lasers Segment, is seeking a Senior Principal Laser Engineer to support the development of High Energy Lasers at our Laser Systems Integration Facility collaborating with distributed team members including those at our Precision Optical Mechanical and Gimbals facility in Longmont Colorado. This Engineer will be responsible for leading requirements derivation, design, analysis, assembly, integration and test of optical subsystems collaborating with a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team developing advanced lasers for military applications. This Engineer will present technical reviews to customers in support of active programs and contribute to proposals for new projects.

Responsibilities

• Act in an Integrated Product Team Lead (IPTL) role managing cost, schedule, and technical execution of critical subsystems
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, software, etc.) to deliver complete subsystems satisfying imposed and derived performance requirements utilizing strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with distributed engineering resources
• Contribute to trade studies, identify and evaluate critical system components and vendors, generate Statements of Work and interface with subcontractors
• Participate in integration and test of optical subsystems, as well as performing as a key team member for system integration, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Provide regular updates for internal program leadership review, as well as presentation of design, execution, and issues to Customers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
• 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree; or 7 years of experience with a Ph.D.
• Deep technical knowledge of beam stabilization for directed energy laser systems or closely related technology
• Strong design and hardware-oriented understanding of acquisition/pointing/tracking and atmospheric propagation for Directed Energy applications
• Ability to digest complex technical problems, identify and implement timely solutions
• Strong analytic decision-maker with problem-solving skills, able to handle unforeseen issues
• Professional hands‑on laboratory experience with lasers, optical alignment, testing, and inspection

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing High Energy Laser Systems, with an emphasis on Coherent Beam Combining preferred
• Particular experience with beam directors (mainly gimbals and telescopes), laser illuminators for active tracking and optical sensor technology for active and passive tracking is highly desirable
• Specification and use of optical sensors and components such as Focal Plan Arrays, EO/IR cameras, wavefront sensors, polarizers, beam splitters, dichroic filters, fast steering mirrors, etc.
• Experience with controls system architecture design, hardware/software integration and test, and performance verification is highly desirable
• Ability to travel to support customer meetings and field test events
• Familiarity with atmospheric turbulence, adaptive optics, and associated technology preferred
• Optical fiber handling and splicing

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a 'U.S. Person' under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.