Program Element Lead - Laser Systems

Own end-to-end program execution of a hundred-million dollar element of a billion dollar development program: scope, WBS/IMS, cost, schedule, technical performance, and delivery commitments. Lead design, build, integration, and test of the full KrF excimer laser system—from seed laser through SBS temporal compression, Raman beam combination, and final pulse delivery to the gas-to-vacuum transition—ensuring on-target energy, pulse shape, beam quality, and shot-to-shot repeatability meet Vulcan requirements. Establish and run program execution cadence (IPT rhythms, technical reviews, metrics) and provide clear, decision-oriented status to executives. Lead integrated product teams (IPTs) across laser physics, optics, pulsed power, controls/software, thermal, mechanical, reliability, and safety to deliver integrated builds. Build and manage budgets, staffing plans, and make/buy decisions; coordinate with Finance on forecasting and reporting. Own program risk management: identify/quantify risks, drive mitigation plans, and manage technical and schedule margin. Plan and execute system engineering events and reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR), test readiness reviews, integration events, and demonstrations; drive fast closure of actions and anomalies. Lead execution with external partners—including prime integrators, subcontractors, and suppliers—defining technical interfaces, statements of work, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and on-time/quality performance. Ensure program compliance and execution rigor (export controls/ITAR/EAR as applicable, security requirements, cybersecurity, configuration/data management, and laser/system safety). Drive transition-to-integration readiness: produce integration packages (ICDs, test data, as-built/configuration records), support prime contractor integration, and ensure deliverables meet DoD-relevant qualification expectations. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s preferred). Experience: 15+ years leading delivery of complex hardware programs (electro-optical/laser systems strongly preferred), including multi-disciplinary engineering, build/integration, and test/verification; 5+ years leading cross-functional teams. Demonstrated ownership of cost/schedule/technical performance, including building and managing an integrated master schedule and milestone-driven execution. Technical fluency across relevant domains (lasers/optics, pulsed power, controls, thermal/mechanical, test & instrumentation) with the ability to drive trade studies and make decisions with technical leads. Element-Specific Expertise: Technical depth in high-energy laser systems—excimer, solid-state, or gas laser architectures—including amplifier physics, beam quality, pulse shaping, and laser-induced damage thresholds. Experience delivering optical system builds from lab-scale R&D through high-energy, repetition-rated prototype demonstrations. Strong financial acumen with experience managing hundred-million-dollar budgets; EVMS/EIA-748 familiarity is a plus. Strong technical communication skills: able to run design/test reviews, write crisp decision memos, and align stakeholders (engineering, manufacturing, quality, and external integrators) around the plan. Proven leader who builds high-performing teams, sets clear accountability, and drives execution in matrixed environments. Working knowledge of quality systems and product lifecycle practices (requirements management, configuration management, formal reviews, and corrective action). Ability to operate in ambiguity and deliver results in an R&D-intensive, fast-moving organization; strong judgment and bias for action. Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Desired Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering field.