Aurelius Systems · 2 months ago
Laser Systems Engineer (All Levels)
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
4+ years expAurelius Systems is a directed energy company developing edge-deployed laser systems for cUAS applications. They are seeking an experienced Senior Laser Systems Engineer to architect, develop, and validate beam-delivery and targeting subsystems for their next-generation defense laser platforms.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)MilitarySecurity
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Beam‑Train Architecture & Assembly: Design and assemble the end‑to‑end optical path—including coatings, mirrors, fiber/optics interfaces, and alignment fixtures—to meet power and beam‑quality specifications
Automated Aiming & Targeting: Develop and integrate laser‑aiming subsystems, combining optomechanics and control‑system hooks for precision tracking and dwell control
Ablation & Damage‑Threshold Testing: Plan and execute material ablation experiments, characterize damage thresholds, and iterate on optical and mechanical designs to optimize performance and durability
Laser Trade Studies: Conduct comparative analyses of various laser operation, leading wavelength‑selection campaigns considering efficacy, safety, and supply‑chain constraints
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with controls, mechanical, and sensor teams to synchronize beam outputs with targeting data and ensure system‑level integration
Prototype Iteration & Field Trials: Drive rapid bench‑prototype builds through range‑testing cycles (dry‑runs, live engagements), capturing performance data to refine optical and mechanical designs
Documentation & Reporting: Produce comprehensive technical reports, optical alignment procedures, and test‑plan documentation; present findings to stakeholders and update design specifications accordingly
Qualification
Required
Citizens and permanent residents only - we do not sponsor and cannot hire non-citizens or PRs
Experience: 4–7 years in high‑power or directed‑energy laser development, optical‑train engineering, or related fields
Deep expertise in optical design software (Zemax, Code V) and CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo)
Hands‑on experience with high‑power coatings, mirror mounts, and fiber‑optic interfaces
Proven track record of ablation testing and damage‑threshold characterization
Familiarity with both pulsed and CW laser architectures, wavelength trade‑offs, and safety standards
Education: BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
Soft Skills: Strong analytical mindset, collaborative communication, and problem‑solving under experimental constraints
Preferred
Field‑deployed laser systems experience (DoD or industrial optics)
Background in optical fiber handling and splice qualification
Experience with environmental qualification testing (vibration, thermal shock)
Familiarity with laser safety (ANSI Z136) and ITAR regulations
Company
Aurelius Systems
Aurelius Systems is a defense and space manufacturing firm developing autonomous laser systems for counter drone defense.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$10M2025-09-03Seed· $10M
Leadership Team
Michael LaFramboise
CEO / Co-Founder
Recent News
2025-11-06
Washington Technology
2025-10-11
2025-10-09
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