Director Optical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Defense Mission Professional
The Opportunity:
As a defense mission professional, you ask questions others don't. You understand the nuances of complex situations. You use your skills to think bigger and push further, solving complex problems. We're looking for an expert like you to create solutions for missions that keep our nation safe.
As a Defense Mission Professional, you will serve as a principal driver and programmatic expert for a next-generation Navy Laser Weapon System initiative. In this support role, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge directed energy research and practical maritime deployment, overseeing the end-to-end lifecycle of high-energy laser programs. You will be responsible for defining mission architectures, managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams, and aligning technological capabilities with the strategic tactical requirements of the U.S. Navy. As the primary point of contact for multiple stakeholders, you will ensure that program milestones, budgets, and technical performance metrics are rigorously met to deliver dominant, combat-ready capabilities to the fleet.
Demonstrates thorough insight and expertise across various aspects of service, joint missions, processes, and organizational culture. Utilizes advanced advisory skills and substantial technical knowledge, with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Creates innovative solutions to challenging problems and operates independently, often guiding and supervising other team members. The ideal candidate will use their deep domain knowledge to convert operational naval requirements into specific technical specifications for integrating laser weapons onto surface combatants. Responsibilities include leading efforts to address shipboard directed energy challenges such as power distribution, thermal regulation, atmospheric effects, and fire control system integration. In addition to technical leadership, daily tasks involve managing intricate defense acquisition processes, coordinating live-fire testing and evaluation activities on maritime ranges, and maintaining strict adherence to military standards and safety procedures.
The real impact of project management comes from communication to ensure the program achieves its goals and meets our quality standards. At Booz Allen, we recognize that we must continuously grow as a team to bring the best support to our customers, so here you'll have all the resources to succeed. This is a chance to influence a meaningful mission while learning how to develop and maintain program strategy. Work with us and ensure mission-critical defense programs accomplish their programmatic goals within budget as we improve the quality of products delivered to the Warfighter.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:

• 10+ years of experience with Defense Program Management and leading technical Department of War programs in Directed Energy
• 5+ years of experience performing detailed schedule analysis, cost variance reporting, and cost and schedule performance metrics
• 5+ years of experience developing and presenting briefings and presentations tor senior military and civilian audiences
• 5+ years of experience writing monthly status reports to inform key stakeholders of program progress
• 5+ years of experience collaborating with key stakeholders, technical personnel, subcontractors, vendors, and program personnel
• Experience coordinating across multiple organizations, clarifying and distilling technical information for non-technical audiences, and providing status updates to stakeholders
• Ability to coordinate with integrated master schedulers and deliver briefings effectively
• Secret clearance
• HS diploma or GED

Nice If You Have:

• Experience with researching, developing, integrating, or fielding weapons or sensors in the Directed Energy arena for the United States Navy or other military service
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and surge to mission meet mission requirements or customer demands
• Possession of strong analytical, problem-solving, and both verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, systems engineers, optical engineering, or aeronautical engineering preferred; Master's degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, systems engineers, optical engineering, or aeronautical engineering a plus
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.
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.