ARA · 1 day ago
Senior Laser Engineer
San Antonio, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expApplied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions. The role involves operating and maintaining various laser systems, designing and executing advanced laser experiments, and providing technical leadership in a laboratory environment.
ConsultingHealth CareInfrastructureManufacturingTraining
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development
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
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research
Must be a US citizen
Demonstrated experience leading or independently executing complex experimental research efforts
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
Preferred
MS or PhD 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 TS or TS/SCI clearance
Benefits
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Company
ARA
ARA provides research, engineering, and technical support services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$12MKey Investors
Engineer Research and Development Center
2023-03-16Grant· $12M
Leadership Team
C
Curt Beckemeyer
Deputy CEO for Technical Operations
Recent News
2025-12-06
Morningstar.com
2025-10-20
Applied Research Associates, Inc.
2025-09-12
Company data provided by crunchbase