Lead Technical Advisor – Ultrabright Laser Sources
Location:
National Capital Region, On-site (non-local candidates will not be considered)
Experience:
Advanced degree (Ph.D. strongly preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Clearance:
U.S. citizenship with an active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred). Exceptional candidates who don’t currently possess a clearance but are eligible will be considered.
We are seeking a Lead Technical Advisor to support the ideation, formulation, and cradle-to-grave execution of a new technology development program focused on ultrabright laser sources, including photonic crystal surface emitting laser (PCSEL) architectures and femtosecond laser technologies. The advisor will play a critical role in shaping program technical direction, evaluating performer efforts, and guiding the development of disruptive laser capabilities.
This position demands deep expertise in laser physics and architectures, as well as the ability to assess manufacturability, scalability, and system-level impact.
Requirements
The successful candidate should have knowledge and expertise in areas including:
- Semiconductor laser physics and advanced laser architectures, including PCSELs
- Ultrafast and femtosecond laser sources and pulse generation techniques
- Photonic crystal design, optical resonators, beam control, and brightness scaling
- Materials, fabrication, and thermal management for high-power and high-brightness lasers
- System-level performance metrics relevant to defense and dual-use applications
- Technical proposal evaluation, program reviews, and performer assessment
- Strong technical writing and briefing skills for senior government audiences
- U.S. citizenship and required clearance
Desired Capabilities and Characteristics
- Visionary technical thinker capable of shaping new research programs
- Strong judgment in balancing innovation, risk, and execution
- Comfortable engaging academic, industrial, and government research communities
- Highly adaptable and able to rapidly assess unfamiliar technical domains
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-performer R&D efforts
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. strongly preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Responsibilities
The Ultrabright Laser Lead Technical Advisor will:
- Support program ideation, formulation, and execution for advanced laser technologies
- Provide expert technical guidance on PCSEL and femtosecond laser research efforts
- Assess performer progress, technical risks, and opportunities for breakthrough performance
- Develop technical documentation, program reviews, and decision briefings
- Advise program managers on transition potential and system-level impact
- Facilitate collaboration across performers and stakeholders to maximize program outcomes