Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) is seeking a Staff Laser Engineer 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives, including testing across various research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs.  Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space. 

The Staff Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.

These projects will require close coordination with subject matter experts and customers to develop novel research methods and optimize existing measurement capabilities. Candidates must be eager to learn and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders. Candidates applying for this position must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a security clearance.

This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate’s resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
• Conduct laser/optical research experiments.
• Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.
• Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities across a variety of experimental setups.
• Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
• Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
• Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.
• Acquire and develop in-depth understanding of laser/optical testing and evaluation methods across a variety of research projects.
• Develop and validate approaches and prototypes to solve program-specific technical problems.
• Apply analytical techniques and utilize benchtop testing equipment to develop, troubleshoot, optimize, and document novel test methods and prototypes.
• Collaborate with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring clear and timely communication.
• In partnership with project managers and technical leaders, develop, plan, and execute research that aligns with client objectives/goals and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Conduct research and development in optical sensors, signal processing, spectroscopy, and/or general optics.
• Contribute to technical writing, including reports, standard operating procedures, and proposals.
• Serve as a technical resource for other engineers and scientists within the company.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
• Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
• Proficiency in optical diagnostics, optical alignment and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a team and independently.
• Proficiency using software tools for data collection/analysis such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or Python.
• Experience in development of optical systems, signal processing, instrumentation, lasers and/or general optics. Demonstrated ability to read and translate laboratory results.
• Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
• Demonstrated experience executing complex experimental research efforts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• On-site work in San Antonio, TX facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with DoD laboratories.
• Background in mission-relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser–matter interactions.
• Existing DoD clearance.
• Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or conference presentations.
• Experience designing and conducting tests with laser, optical and electromagnetic systems, material / device characterization, and custom or commercial lab instruments for scientific research.
• Data analysis using signal processing / data reduction.
• Experience performing and interest in executing contract/grant-based research and development relevant to National Defense applications.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting laboratory tests to answer hypothesis driven research goals.

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and critical problems. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA currently has over 2,200 employee-owners in offices throughout the United States and Canada providing a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. In addition, we provide sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employee-owners are at the heart of every success. We embrace employee ownership which spawns greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. All eligible employees have the opportunity to earn annual contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and all of our employee-owners can directly impact our shared success.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Staff Laser Engineer position.