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Directed Energy Weapon Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics, lasers, and testing while broadening your skillset into areas like other directed energy weapons systems. Join us. The world can't ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics, lasers, and testing while broadening your skillset into areas like other directed energy weapons systems. Join us. The world can't ...

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$40K

$116.9K

$148K

How much do directed energy weapon systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for directed energy weapon systems in the United States is $116,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Directed Energy Weapon Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Directed Energy Weapon Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, physics, or related fields, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with specialized simulation software, laser or microwave systems, and compliance with military or defense certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively on complex, multidisciplinary projects. These skills and qualifications are critical for designing, testing, and deploying advanced weapon systems that meet rigorous safety and performance standards.

What are directed energy weapon systems?

Directed energy weapon systems are advanced military technologies that emit focused energy—such as lasers, microwaves, or particle beams—to damage, disable, or destroy targets. Unlike conventional weapons, they deliver energy to a target without the use of a physical projectile. These systems can be used for various applications, including missile defense, disabling enemy electronics, or neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles. Directed energy weapons offer advantages such as rapid engagement, high precision, and reduced logistical burden. They are an area of active research and development in several countries.

What is the difference between Directed Energy Weapon Systems vs Radar Systems Technician?

AspectDirected Energy Weapon SystemsRadar Systems Technician
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical certifications, specialized trainingTechnical certifications, electronics training, security clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary facilities, research labs, defense contractorsMilitary bases, maintenance facilities, defense industry
Industry UsageDefense, military, aerospaceDefense, military, aerospace
Common Search/ComparisonTechnical skills, certifications, job dutiesTechnical skills, certifications, job duties

Both roles require technical expertise, security clearances, and work within defense environments. While Directed Energy Weapon Systems specialists focus on advanced weapon technology, Radar Systems Technicians maintain and repair radar equipment. Understanding their differences helps job seekers target the right certifications and career paths in the defense industry.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals working with Directed Energy Weapon Systems, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals working with Directed Energy Weapon Systems often encounter challenges such as staying abreast of rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring system safety during development and testing, and adhering to strict security protocols. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, physicists, and defense specialists—is common, requiring strong communication and adaptability. To prepare, candidates should focus on continuous learning, maintain relevant certifications, and be proactive in understanding both technical and regulatory aspects of the field.
Infographic showing various Directed Energy Weapon Systems job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,935 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

King George, VA

$86K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist
The Opportunity:
What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the testing of electro-optic ( EO ) sensors, lasers, and High Energy Laser ( HEL ) weapon systems. We're looking for a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter.
Our team supports the design, development, and testing of directed energy weapon s to enhance warfighter capabilities. You will directly impact U.S. Navy and Department of War efforts by providing laser, optical, and testing expertise to solve challenging problems and advance the mission. This is a chance to use your experience -based knowledge in optics, lasers, and testing while broadening your skillset into areas like other directed energy weapon s systems.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience performing laser weapon testing in laboratory or field environments, including measuring system characteristics such as laser power and beam profiles for both fixed and mobile applications, and designing and implementing local and remote beam diagnostics such as remote target tracking, use of geolocation, and achieving extended ranges with robust RF data links
  • 10+ years of experience developing, designing, or testing tracking systems for any laser weapon systems designed to designate, track, and e nga ge with high energy laser, including with image or signal processing, design of track algorithms such as centroid, leading edge, hot-spot, and contrast tracking, track handoff, sensor fusion and sensor requirements for passive and active tracking design and development, gated imagery, pulsed and continuous wave illumi nato rs, boresight alignment and requirements for tracking, and control architectures
  • 5+ years of experience with U.S. armed services' laser or EO systems research and development programs, including the U.S. Navy
  • 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power met ers, photodiodes, detectors, interfero met ers, wavefront sensors, spectro met ers, or beam profilers
  • 3+ years of experience with laser testing, including test planning, safety and operational procedures, test set up, test conduct, test breakdown, and test documentation
  • Ability to tailor and improve diagnostics to specific requirements such as increasing automation, increasing reliability of data collection, and developing custom controls of instrumentation and data acquisition
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science field such as Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Nice If You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy laser and EO systems
  • 5+ years of experience with HEL systems, ISR EO systems, test and evaluation ( T & E ) , and instrument installation
  • Experience working with design and analysis sof tware such as FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance ( ISR ) systems
  • Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification
  • Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiments, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance in relevant military environments and ranges
  • Knowledge of practical problems asso cia ted with the design, building, integration, and testing of laser weapon systems
  • Master's degree in an Engineering or Science field preferred ; Doctorate degree in an Engineering or Science field a plus

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information .
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

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Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914

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