Optical Scientist/Engineer | AFRL
June 29, 2023
Location: Albuquerque, NM
The Air Force Research Laboratory, Laser Division is accepting applications for the position of Beam Control Scientist/Engineer for the Aero Effects and Beam Control Program, Technologies Branch (RDLT) and Laser Division (AFRL/RDL).
Salary: $82,556 to $161,018
Job Overview
This job announcement will be accepting candidate submission until 14 July 2023
Position duties include, but are not limited to:
- Serves as a subject matter expert for high energy laser beam control technology development.
- Performs research to develop advanced sensing techniques to precisely track targets and focus laser beams through distributed-volume and aero-optic turbulence. Typical targets are hard-to-hit threats that lurk in cluttered backgrounds, have low optical signatures, or fly at extended ranges.
- Defines, leads, and manages a diverse set of S&T areas to include beam control hardware development, adaptive optics, atmospheric propagation, tracking/beacon illuminators, and modeling and simulation efforts. - Responsible for technical leadership, personnel development, and resource management as applied to a broad array of government assets.
Telework
Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy
Remote Work (CONUS)
No, this position is not approved for remote work.
Required Qualifications
- Candidates are expected to have a strong educational background and/or experience in optical sciences, in particular: optical design, radiometry, laser systems, and Fourier optics.
- Must be able to manage a laboratory, plan and conduct laboratory and outdoor tests, and develop and refine beam control hardware, software, and associated algorithms.
- Education at the Ph.D. level is most appropriate; Ph.D. candidates, BS + 5 years, and MS +5 years can apply.
- US Citizenship
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance
Desired Qualifications
- Education and/or experience in some or all of the following: statistical optics, atmospheric propagation, high-speed controls systems, image processing, and deep learning
- Hands-on laboratory experience with electro-optic components
- Understanding of the relevant adaptive optics techniques to deal with aberrations imparted by atmospheric turbulence and aerodynamic effects on an airborne laser system platform
- Prior experience/expertise in any/all the following areas are also highly desired: Realtime wavefront sensing and reconstruction using traditional or novel techniques, object ID and tracking in non-pristine environments with either passive or active illumination, and lightweight gimbaled telescope design.
(Requisition No. 54503)