Senior Scientist

The primary job duty of the Senior Scientist is to conduct research and development of Ultrashort Pulse (USP) lasers, their applications, and related optical physics. The Senior Scientist carries out research objectives outlined by the supervisor based on grants, contracts, and internal development funding. The Senior Scientist is expected to contribute to the generation of new concepts and designs for advanced USP laser sources and applications, contribute strongly to the pursuit of new funding opportunities through proposal writing in conjunction with other scientific staff, generate and capture intellectual property, and oversee operations for particular portions of a laboratory. In addition, the Senior Scientist will be expected to conduct sponsored research, experiments, design, and development of high average power pulsed and/or continuous wave (CW) laser systems and related technologies to support evolving applications and missions full-time at our facility in Tucson, AZ. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Yes, the Senior Scientist will supervise a team of scientists and support staff, be responsible for achieving milestones and schedules, and meet budgets.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, plan, execute, and interpret advanced numerical simulations and experiments that test new concepts and modeling capabilities in collaboration with laboratory scientists and engineers.
• Conduct experiments in the fields of ultrashort pulse, high power, and energy laser physics.
• Define and prioritize tasks and goals to ensure that programmatic milestones and needs are addressed promptly and efficiently.
• Construct, run, and improve laser performance using models utilizing complex analytical code and numerical simulations.
• Apply advanced knowledge in identified areas, interacting with mid-level and senior management and customers.
• Develop research and development proposals. Develop and capture intellectual property.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Optics, or Electrical Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• 10+ years of related experience
• Advanced knowledge in the development of solid-state and/or fiber lasers, ultrashort pulse laser physics, ultrashort pulse characterization, and nonlinear optics as applied to laser development and applications.
• Significant experience designing, building, testing, and optimizing the performance of ultrashort pulse laser systems based on a wide variety of amplifier architectures.
• Significant experience working independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team and the ability to lead advanced research and development activities.
• Successful record of accomplishment in scientific research and development of USP laser sources and applications.
• Advanced problem-solving, troubleshooting, decision-making, and analytical skills necessary to independently anticipate, analyze, advise, recommend, and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions to complex issues.
• Experience planning and directing work with technical objectives, estimating effort, setting milestones, and managing within the designated budget.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills are necessary to author technical and scientific reports and publications, deliver scientific presentations, and interact with a diverse group.
• Substantial experience developing, constructing, and testing high-average power pulsed and/or CW lasers.
• Substantial project management experience on mid-to-large scale projects (able to manage project scope, schedule, and budget)

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of Joule-class pulsed lasers and applications.
• Proficiency in high-average power laser technology.

Security Clearance

• This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance. This can include Secret, Top Secret, or Confidential, based on the position.
• Employment is contingent upon confirmation of eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter based on a Federal background investigation.

Physical Requirements:

• The employee must frequently lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Must be able to work in a clean-room environment with hazardous chemicals, compressed gases, lasers, and high voltage regularly, and use personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, respirators, gloves, and aprons.
• Travel to various customer sites for meetings and field testing as required.

Safety Requirements:

• This role is classified as a safety-sensitive position that involves a heightened danger that requires an employee's full and unimpaired skills and judgment to execute the job safely.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Applied Energetics, Inc is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.