Fiber Laser Technologist

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The Directed Energy Division at Leidos is seeking a Fiber Laser Technologist to support cutting-edge high-power fiber-based laser system technology on Kirtland AF Base, NM. The fiber laser program we support investigates continuous wave and pulsed lasers. Our Fiber Laser Technologist 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.

The successful candidate will be working closely with research personnel to implement experimental setups, hardware and prototype designs.  They will be involved with testing and maintaining novel fiber laser systems, including high power CW fiber amplifiers and pulsed fiber laser sources, working with electrical, optical, and cooling systems.  Duties include fiber splicing, electrical integration, cooling system assembly, and amplifier operation. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Splicing fiber laser components, including PM and non-PM 125, 240, 400 µm, and larger fibers.

• Assisting technical staff with laser and amplifier performance characterization including measuring M2, spectral linewidth, amplifier spectrum output, SBS characteristics, MI characteristics, Optical to Optical efficiency, SRS, PER, amplifier transient behavior, and amplifier thermal loading.

• Laser system assembly including interlock setup, cooling assembly and test, electrical configuration and assembly to direct specification.

• Provide regular reports for completed work.

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance and cleanup.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate's degree 2+ years of relevant optical laboratory experience, or 5 years of relevant optical laboratory experience in lieu of a degree.
• Must be a U.S Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Ability to splice optical fibers
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Ability and willingness to adhere to government safety requirements
• Ability to effectively communicate with engineers and other employees
• Ability to take directions from technical staff
• Ability to organize and effectively work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree with 5+ years of relevant optical laboratory experience in fiber laser systems, or 8+ years of relevant optical laboratory experience in fiber laser systems, in lieu of a degree.
• Understanding of fiber amplifier assembly from low power preamplifier levels (10’s of watts) to high power amplifier (kWs)
• Experience with single mode output high power fiber laser amplifier
• 2+ years experience programming and operating with LabView software
• Familiarity with high power fiber laser amplifier assembly methods
• Single mode and LMA fiber splicing experience.
• 2 + years’ experience with fiber lasers and amplifiers
• Splicing high power fiber laser systems (kW class).
• Experience with OSA’s, laser power meters, oscilloscopes and other fiber laboratory specific instruments.
• Ability to perform basic machining tasks such as drilling and tapping.
• Ability to install plumbing for coolant flow in fiber laser amplifier setups.
• Current DoD secret clearance

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 19, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

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.