Directed Energy Optics Engineer

Requisition Number: 28885 Required Travel: 0 - 10% Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt Anticipated Salary Range: $76,283.00 - $115,000.00 Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Mid This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems. HII works within our nation’s intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners. Leadership Mindset at HII – Mission Technologies Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture: Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success. Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust. Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work. Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve. Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement. Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose. These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.Job Description Seeking an engineer or research scientist with expertise in directed energy systems, high-energy laser (HEL) engagement modeling, and computational simulation. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering with experience in target tracking, beam control, atmospheric modeling, and vulnerability assessment for laser weapon systems. This position combines research and development in directed energy systems with practical engineering applications in laser weapon engagement modeling and autonomous target tracking systems Essential Job Responsibilities Develop and execute simulations for high-energy laser engagement scenarios, including target acquisition, tracking, and kill-chain assessment Model atmospheric effects (turbulence, thermal blooming) and their impact on beam propagation and engagement effectiveness Design and implement tracking algorithms including centroid tracking, active contour methods, and machine learning-based detection systems Conduct vulnerability modeling to analyze time-to-kill metrics, aim-point selection, and power-on-target calculations Develop simulation tools for beam control, tracking systems, and atmospheric compensation strategies Analyze complex engagement scenarios across diverse conditions including variable backgrounds, clutter, and changing trajectories Generate technical reports and present findings on system performance and effectiveness Script and automate batch simulations to systematically evaluate engagement parameters Minimum Qualifications 2 years relevant experience with Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math or related field; OR 0 years experience with Masters; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience. Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and simulation software platforms Strong understanding of quantum mechanics, wave propagation, and laser physics Quantum Tornado Research Paper Experience with End-to-End Engagement Model (ETEM) or similar directed energy simulation tools Knowledge of tracking algorithms, image processing, and computer vision techniques Ability to develop and validate computational models for complex physical systems Preferred Requirements M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field Experience with embedded systems and hardware development Background in CAD tools (SolidWorks, MicroStation, Abaqus) for system design and FEA analysis Research experience in quantum turbulence, vortex dynamics, or Bose-Einstein condensates Quantum Tornado Research Paper Familiarity with machine learning for target detection and classification Understanding of vulnerability assessment methodologies for directed energy weapons Technical: Simulation & Modeling: ETEM, Abaqus, atmospheric propagation codes CAD/Design: SolidWorks, MicroStation, STM32CubeMX Analysis: Structural FEA, beam control algorithms, tracking fusion methods Documentation: Technical report writing, data visualization, results analysis Programming: MATLAB, Python, VBA, C/C++ (STM32, embedded systems) Physical Requirements May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.Meet HII’s Mission Technologies DivisionOur team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.Why HIIWe build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.Do You Need Assistance? If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.