Senior Optical Fiber Engineer

Your greatest work is ahead!

The Directed Energy Division at Leidos has an exciting opportunity to serve as a Senior Optical Fiber Engineer supporting cutting-edge high-power fiber-based laser system technology on Kirtland AF Base, NM.

The fiber laser program we support investigates 1 and 2 µm continuous wave and pulsed lasers. Our Senior Optical Fiber Engineer will provide support to other engineers and research scientists developing new and novel high power laser technologies by means of setting up and conducting complex experiments and analyzing and reporting results.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Construct fiber amplifiers, perform laser experiments, and collect data to include measurement of laser output power, spectra, polarization extinction ratios and stimulated Brillouin scattering.
• Oversee several laser laboratories and work with senior management to assign priorities and determine how to best utilize resources.
• Report on project status on a weekly and monthly basis in formal, professional reports.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and solutions to Government customers and to external parties such as subcontractors and vendors, and influence project and team leaders on solution design and approach.
• The ideal candidate works independently as well as with a team, learns new skills quickly, communicates clearly, and is organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or closely related field and 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS degree or higher with 6+ years of prior relevant experience
• Five or more years of fiber laser amplifier experience
• Knowledge of fiber termination, polishing and splicing
• Ability to use and modify LabView or similar laboratory control software
• Ability to analyze data and write accurate and concise test summary reports
• Ability to engage in technical research and development in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Ability to work side by side with technical staff in a laboratory environment
• Must be a U.S Citizen and have the ability to acquire and maintain a minimum of a DoD Secret security clearance
• Ability to understand and abide by government safety rules and regulations
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess an active DoD Secret or higher security clearance
• Ability to design, build and test fiber laser amplifiers
• Have experience working in a government research facility
• Have experience managing technical programs and personnel

NKE

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

October 16, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.