Subject Matter Expert High Energy Lasers and Directed Energies (TOC)

Kratos is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that is team-oriented and relationship-driven to foster innovation and creativity in advanced defense technologies. Our motto, "Ready for Whatis Next," reflects our commitment to continually leveraging our technical and intellectual strengths for the ultimate success of our customers in areas like Directed Energy and High Energy Laser systems.

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services Inc. division provides a full spectrum of solutions for complex C5ISR, engineering, and operational requirements, including advanced military weapon systems such as Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). We have years of experience in logistics, engineering, and target operations support, as well as international programs, rocket program services, technology initiatives, and advanced weapon system research and engineering, with a growing focus on HEL and other DE technologies.

Our in-depth understanding of our client missions, in conjunction with the strategic location of our employees in Huntsville, a hub for laser and directed energy development, enables us to offer cost-effective solutions tailored to our clients' specific requirements and consistent with their evolving mission objectives in the DE domain.

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services is currently seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) related to High Energy Laser (HEL) and broader Directed Energy (DE) technologies at our Huntsville office location. The SME will provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills to implement technical strategies, evaluate laser weapon systems and their components, and provide a superior level of technical support in the DE domain. This is a temporary, on-call role. Candidate should expect to work no fewer than 8 hours per week to begin, with the possibility of increasing hours up to full-time based on project needs in the HEL/DE sector.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Conducts studies, technical assessments, system analysis, and architectural-level analysis of HEL weapon systems, including beam director assemblies, laser sources (e.g., fiber lasers, solid-state lasers), power and thermal management subsystems, and atmospheric propagation effects, to determine system performance and effectiveness against various targets.
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and integrates HEL and broader DE system-related requirements, including beam quality metrics, target tracking and engagement algorithms, and counter-measures analysis, to support operational needs and mission objectives.
• Supports HEL system design, modeling and simulation (M&S), integration of laser modules and sub-assemblies, and testing, including beam alignment, power scaling, and lethality assessments.
• Supports HEL system field demonstrations, operational deployments, and integration with command and control (C2) systems as required.
• Develops, gathers, and organizes comprehensive documentation related to HEL system specifications, performance reports, test procedures, and integration guidelines.
• Supports HEL subsystems integration (e.g., beam control, tracking, and pointing), troubleshooting, performance evaluation, and repair procedures as necessary.

Required Experience:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• MS in a relevant technical field such as Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering preferred, BS with 15 years of work experience directly related to laser systems or directed energy technologies acceptable.
• Minimum of 15 years of task-related experience in areas such as high-power lasers, laser weapon systems development, directed energy effects, or related fields.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards related to advanced weapon systems.
• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a government driving permit if required.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors, including technical discussions on complex HEL/DE concepts.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time for meetings, test events, or deployment support related to HEL programs.

The following qualifications are DESIRED:

• Relevant technical Experience (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering) with 15 years of working experience in high energy lasers or directed energy.
• Extensive experience with directed energy (DE) weapons systems including both high energy laser (HEL) and high power microwave (HPM) technologies, including understanding of their respective generation mechanisms, propagation characteristics, and target effects.
• Demonstrated experience related to operational procedures and an in-depth knowledge of laser safety protocols, range safety considerations for DEW, and tactical employment of HEL systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze test scenarios, technical communications, systems schematics (including optical layouts and electrical block diagrams), and other information to design and implement system configurations required for various tests of HEL performance and effectiveness.
• Strong background in electronics engineering with a strong software minor such as computer science or specific engineering data systems relevant to laser control, data acquisition, and analysis of HEL system performance.
• Experience in coaching young engineers of various disciplines on the principles and applications of high energy lasers and directed energy systems.