Job Details

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Citizens and permanent residents only - we do not sponsor and cannot hire non-citizens or PRs. We work 6 days a week in the office in downtown San Francisco, no remote available.

Overview

Aurelius Systems is a directed energy company developing edge-deployed laser systems for cUAS applications. We shoot down drones with laser guns.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Laser Systems Engineer to architect, develop, and validate beam‑delivery and targeting subsystems for our next‑generation defense laser efforts across pulsed and CW regimes, progressing from lab prototype to field‑deployed.

Key Responsibilities

• Beam‑Train Architecture & Assembly: Design and assemble the end‑to‑end optical path—including coatings, mirrors, fiber/optics interfaces, and alignment fixtures—to meet power and beam‑quality specifications.
• Automated Aiming & Targeting: Develop and integrate laser‑aiming subsystems, combining optomechanics and control‑system hooks for precision tracking and dwell control.
• Ablation & Damage‑Threshold Testing: Plan and execute material ablation experiments, characterize damage thresholds, and iterate on optical and mechanical designs to optimize performance and durability.
• Laser Trade Studies: Conduct comparative analyses of various laser operation, leading wavelength‑selection campaigns considering efficacy, safety, and supply‑chain constraints.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with controls, mechanical, and sensor teams to synchronize beam outputs with targeting data and ensure system‑level integration.
• Prototype Iteration & Field Trials: Drive rapid bench‑prototype builds through range‑testing cycles (dry‑runs, live engagements), capturing performance data to refine optical and mechanical designs.

Qualifications

• Hyper Engineer - your brain only releases dopamine when you're building engineering, or related fields.
• Deep expertise in optical design software (Zemax, Code V) and CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo).
• Hands‑on experience with high‑power coatings, mirror mounts, and fiber‑optic interfaces.
• Proven track record of ablation testing and damage‑threshold characterization.
• Familiarity with both pulsed and CW laser architectures, wavelength trade‑offs, and safety standards.
• Education: BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical mindset, collaborative communication, and field‑deployed laser systems experience (DoD or industrial optics).
• Background in optical fiber handling and splice qualification.
• Experience with environmental qualification testing (vibration, thermal shock).
• Familiarity with laser safety (ANSI Z136) and ITAR regulations.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing

San Francisco, CA

Note: This reflects the position details without extraneous job-posting boilerplate.