Engineer Senior - Laser/ Electro-Optics

Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond.®

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Advanced Technology & Information Solutions Strategic Business Unit provides scientific, engineering and other experts that work with our customers to solve their hardest problems and advance state-of-the-art technology. Our data solutions professionals deliver enterprise processing, analytics, exploitation and management, as well as information technology hardware that provide actionable information for warfighters and decision makers. In addition, our subject matter experts provide world-class technology and operational insight that help organizations advance the boundaries of knowledge and accomplish their missions. 

Ball Aerospace’s Albuquerque, New Mexico office is a key provider of science and technology services to the Air Force Research Laboratory and other government research and development organizations. Our multi-discipline staff provides a broad range of scientific and engineering services, including: technology development; diagnostic development; highly-controlled laboratory measurements; field experiments and demonstrations; technology assessments; modeling and simulations; and analyses. We are seeking additional qualified professionals to join our science and technology-oriented organization.

Go to https://vimeo.com/489601451 and learn more about Ball Aerospace in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Engineer Senior – Laser/ Electro-Optics

Ball Aerospace in Albuquerque, NM, is designing and developing a variety of cutting-edge High-Energy Laser hardware and associated diagnostics that are unique and state-of-the-art. Our close-knit group of 75 scientists, engineers and technicians research and develop innovative technical solutions to meet the needs of the world of tomorrow. We are a part of the 5,000 plus engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff at Ball Aerospace, known for its exquisite expertise in space hardware, Electro-Optical systems, RF systems and data exploitation. Whether contributing to a better understanding of the universe or helping keep our nation safe, our people bring their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills together to achieve a common mission.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide technical leadership and guidance for the design, development, and demonstration of laser systems for research applications.
• Apply extensive technical expertise with state-of-the-art laser technologies to identify best technical solutions.
• Use a systems engineering approach to the design and integration phase of laser hardware.
• Develop theoretical laser design requirements and engineering developmental plans to meet project objectives.
• Conduct research in the areas of laser kinetics, resonator design, thermal analysis, and optical analysis.
• Routinely work in a laboratory with lasers, amplifiers, instrumentation, diagnostics, and optical hardware for integration and testing of designed high energy laser hardware.
• Develop optical models in Optics Studio, Code V or other industry-accepted optical design tools to optimize optical designs on an as needed basis.
• Collaboratively develop technical approach to complex multi-disciplinary problems.
• Collaboratively work in team setting with other lead developers and experimentalists on the project.
• May lead and manage small teams to develop and/or demonstrate laser concepts and conduct laser performance characterization experiments.
• Develop detailed integration and testing plans for the checkout of complex laser hardware.
• Review work of assigned staff to ensure quality and provides corrective feedback as necessary.
• Provide technical advice to more-junior personnel, management, and customers.
• Lead technical discussions and prepare high quality briefings and technical reports.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You’ll Need:

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• PhD preferred.
• Proven advanced skills in the design and development of pulsed lasers.
• Extensive knowledge of related disciplines such as electrical engineering, optical engineering, material science, or thermal management.
• Demonstrated experience in laser system design, development, and performance testing.
• Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory environment with lasers. Demonstrated leadership skills that have resulted in successful project completion.
• Established professional with recognition in the laser community.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems that requires the use of ingenuity and creativity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team or individual environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcome of project through trade-space analysis and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, give technical presentations, and provide written reports and documentation.
• A demonstrated capability to adequately perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position and exhibit the skills and competencies of the grade.

Full-Time On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site full-time. Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required. 

Working Conditions:

• Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment. 
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

A current DoD clearance and/or SCI access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position, however applicant must be willing and eligible for submission within 60-90 days after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.  By applying to this position, you are agreeing to complete a National Security Clearance Pre-Screen Questionnaire to evaluate your general ability to obtain the required security clearance or government customer access associated with this position.

Relocation for this position is available.

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $139,500 - $177,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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