Senior Principal Laser Engineer

Job Description
Thank you for your interest in BAE Systems! This opening is included as part of our June 2026 Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions Engineering Hiring Event. While we encourage all interested professionals to apply, please note that this is a selection-based interview event for candidates whose skills and experience match our hiring needs. If your background and skill set match these needs, we will reach out with next steps. If selected for an interview, specific opportunities based on your interests, experience, and skill set will be discussed with the hiring team. For candidates not local to the southern NH area, virtual interviews will be accommodated.
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Laser Engineers to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicants will support assignments in laser system design and laser product testing or other related areas at our southern New Hampshire locations. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that serve a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications.
The Laser Engineer will develop and mature advanced laser system products. This will include the design, analysis, building and test of laser and optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the development of laser system requirements, laser beam modeling, cross-discipline design work, prototype testing, and product transitions to production environments. The successful candidate will work with a broad range of colleagues from all disciplines and must be equally comfortable working and communicating in early R&D, hardware engineering, and production environments. Additional duties will include customer presentations, support to new business proposals, cost and scheduling support, and technical leadership.

1. Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology
2. Contribute to program plans and proposals, schedules and design
3. Analyze performance of conceptual and existing laser/optical subsystems
4. Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment
5. Deliver customer presentations and informal interactions in support of programs
6. Contribute to program progress reports

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

1. Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology
2. Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment
3. Summarize and communicate findings and progress to colleagues and leadership
4. Contribute to program progress reports

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding in one or more of the following: Optics, Lasers, Material Science, Physics, Optical Design
• Experience with laser alignment and measurement techniques including spatial, temporal and spectral laser profiling
• Familiarity of laser system technology including aspects of laser modeling and design with a particular emphasis on high power lasers systems.
• Experience designing and specifying optical components for lasers or other optical systems
• Experience integrating and testing hardware and optical components in a laboratory environment
• Ability to derive and document subsystem requirements from high level system requirements
• Knowledge of industry vendors and the ability to effectively communicate with suppliers to achieve manufacturable and specification compliant components
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated ability to work well with others, ability to work in a team environment
• Eagerness to collaborate and learn from others
• Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax, Code V, RP Photonics, and Matlab
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.