Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Optics Engineer with strong experience in the development and production of directed energy systems. In this role, you will provide high-level engineering and acquisition support for advanced weapons, sensor systems, and cutting-edge technologies. You will support the Missile Defense Agency's Advanced Technology Division at Von Braun III on Redstone Arsenal, working across a diverse community of science and technology partners from multiple government agencies.
This position provides the opportunity to influence next-generation missile defense capabilities by exploring emerging concepts, assessing breakthrough technologies, and shaping risk-based development and integration strategies. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, collaborative, and comfortable leading technical efforts in a fast-paced program environment.
Key Responsibilities:- Identify and prioritize future missile defense technologies that close critical capability gaps, with an initial focus on directed energy, and document them in Agency-level Science & Technology roadmaps.
- Evaluate the feasibility and system-level benefit of integrating new technologies and concepts from across the DoD into the missile defense architecture.
- Support special study efforts, including concept feasibility experiments, analysis, data integration, and software development for communication technologies.
- Develop risk-reduction approaches for a broad portfolio of advanced concepts to accelerate state-of-the-art capabilities within current and future missile defense architectures.
- Lead and foster collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate inputs from Chief Technology Officers and identify opportunities for impactful technology development.
- Prepare and deliver clear, accurate briefings and reports for senior leadership across the Services, OSD, and other DoD organizations.
- Provide Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis support for directed energy systems.
- Deliver metric-based analysis products and executive-level presentations.
- Provide excellent customer support and communicate effectively with all levels of leadership.
Required Qualifications:- US citizenship and an active TS/SCI SAP clearance.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, optics, or a related technical field.
- 15+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in DoD acquisition, engineering, test, or technical management.
- Experience supporting classified and special access programs.
- Background in R&D, technology maturation and insertion, analysis, testing, and systems engineering.
- Self-motivated and proactive in researching and learning new technologies.
- Demonstrated ownership of complex projects with successful outcomes.
- Ability to multitask, handle quick-turn requests, and produce high-quality work with minimal oversight.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for producing clear, concise business communications and recommendations.
- Proven success working in a deadline-driven, service-intensive environment.
- Ability to build strong relationships and leverage insights across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Strong leadership, organizational, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
- Effective working independently or as part of a development team.
Desired Skills and Experience:- MS or PhD preferred.
- Experience developing or managing directed energy technologies and prototype systems.
- Experience with hypersonic advanced concepts or strategic mission areas.
#LI-JJ1
