Senior High-Power Laser Test & Applications Engineer

Location: Berlin (Onsite)

About Us

We are a defense technology startup based in Berlin, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our systems combine high-power laser technology, precision tracking, embedded control, and real-time software to operate reliably in complex operational environments.

Operating in stealth mode, we place strong emphasis on engineering rigor, first-principles physics, and uncompromising performance validation.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior High-Power Laser Test & Applications Engineer to own application-driven performance testing and empirical optimization of our laser systems.

This role focuses on pushing our high-power laser platform to its operational limits in realistic engagement scenarios and translating measured performance into concrete engineering improvements. You will design and execute advanced test campaigns, analyze beam–target interactions, and close the loop between theoretical laser physics and real-world hardware behavior.

This is not a routine test execution role — it requires deep hands-on laser experience, strong analytical capability, and the ability to transform complex measurement data into system-level performance gains.

This position requires onsite work and eligibility for German security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

Application-Specific Performance Testing

Design and execute structured test campaigns for high-power laser systems under: Dynamic tracking scenarios, Varying environmental conditions, Different target materials and geometries
Characterize beam–target interaction and energy delivery efficiency
Quantify system behavior under sustained and peak-power operation

System Optimization & Beam Performance

Analyze beam quality, power delivery efficiency, and pointing stability
Investigate and mitigate: Thermal blooming, Wavefront distortion, Optical degradation
Improve energy density at target through empirical validation and optimization
Apply rigorous statistical methods and signal processing techniques
Build and maintain custom analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent
Process and interpret large datasets generated during high-power test events
Correlate measurement results with performance metrics and system models

Failure Analysis & Root Cause Investigation

Lead root-cause analysis for: Optical degradation, Beam misalignment, Efficiency losses, Stability drift
Translate empirical findings into actionable engineering directives
Provide structured feedback to optics, controls, and mechanical teams
Compare real-world test data against predictive physical models
Close the gap between theoretical laser physics and operational hardware behavior
Support refinement of performance models through experimental evidence

Laser Safety & Field Operations

Own and enforce Class 4 laser safety protocols
Validate interlock systems and protective boundaries
Conduct high-power laboratory and controlled outdoor testing
Support transition from lab-based testing to real-world field trials

Documentation & Qualification

Author structured test plans and performance qualification documents
Establish baseline performance criteria and validation standards
Produce clear, technically rigorous reports suitable for defense stakeholders

Required Qualifications

3+ years of direct, hands-on experience working with high-power laser systems
(fiber lasers, diode arrays, or solid-state systems)
Proven experience testing, optimizing, or deploying high-power laser platforms
Strong analytical capability rooted in physics and first principles
Advanced proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent data analysis tools
Experience with laser diagnostic instrumentation, including: High-capacity calorimeters, Beam profilers, Wavefront sensors, Fast photodiodes, Spectrometers
Experience operating and testing Class 4 laser systems safely
EU citizenship and eligibility for German security clearance
Willingness to work fully onsite in Berlin

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with optomechanics, galvo systems, or fast-steering mirrors (FSMs)
Background in beam stabilization or electro-optical tracking systems
Experience in defense technology, aerospace, directed energy systems, or high-power industrial laser applications
Familiarity with thermal modeling and propagation effects in high-energy systems

What We Offer

VSOP / equity participation
Central Berlin office
Extreme growth opportunity in a fast-scaling defense startup
Monthly voucher
Public transportation subsidies

Who You Are

Physics-driven: You approach problems from first principles
Empirically rigorous: You rely on measured data, not assumptions
Performance-focused: You push systems to their limits to uncover improvement potential
Structured and analytical: You turn complex test results into clear engineering insights
Hands-on and safety-conscious: You are comfortable operating high-power systems with discipline
Mission-aligned: You understand the responsibility of validating and optimizing defense-grade laser systems

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Next-Generation Air Defense | Stealth Mode