DEW Systems Engineer

Program Overview

About The Role

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly specialized Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep expertise in laser, RF, and high-power microwave (HPM) modeling to directly support the MSIC DEW team.

This is a senior-level, technical leadership role requiring recognized expertise in directed energy systems, global technology trends, and foreign capability development. The selected candidate will serve as the principal authority for DEW modeling, simulation, system design, and analytic deliverables to further understanding of foreign directed energy weapons.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling and simulation (M&S) of foreign directed energy weapon systems, including laser, RF, and HPM architectures.
• Perform scientific and engineering analyses to assess atmospheric propagation, adaptive optics, beam combining, thermal blooming, RF propagation, radar interactions, and optical sensor effects.
• Develop and evaluate system designs, engagement scenarios, and target coupling effects for foreign DEW capabilities.
• Translate technical intelligence, research findings, and threat reporting into defensible modeling assumptions and simulation parameters.
• Maintain awareness of global DEW technology trends, emerging advancements, and foreign nation development efforts.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and oversight to engineering and analytic staff.
• Deliver interim and final analytic reports in accordance with IC tradecraft standards and provide structured data products suitable for MSIC knowledge management systems.

Qualifications

Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Optics, or related discipline (MS/PhD preferred).
• Minimum 3+ years of directly relevant experience in directed energy systems with laser/RF/HPM modeling focus.
• Advanced proficiency in physics-based modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent platforms).
• Experience supporting defense, intelligence, or national security programs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.

Desired Qualifications

• Deep expertise in laser physics, electromagnetics, RF/HPM effects, and energy propagation.
• Experience with system design, physics-based modeling, and simulation of complex defense architectures.
• Strong understanding of the global directed energy capability landscape and adversary developments.
• Exceptional technical writing, documentation, and briefing skills.

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

Details

Target Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at

Application Duration Statement: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.