Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer

Overview

Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer (DETO-2026-25746):

Bowhead seeks new team members in their support to the Navy's Weapons Systems Munitions Integration and Hypersonic division. Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of modern weapon system assessment. This role places you directly in the analytical engine room of laser lethality and survivability studies-where physics, engineering, and real-world threat understanding converge. You won't just model systems; you'll help decode how weapons achieve kill, how targets respond, and what drives true operational effectiveness.

***This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract***

Responsibilities

Job duties to include but are not limited to:

• Analyze how High Energy Laser weapons can defeat other weapon systems with analytical and high-fidelity models of material, subsystem and full up system response.
• Analyze weapon engagement kill mechanisms to understand how energy deposition, material response, and subsystem interactions drive mission-level effects.
• Analyze the effects and logic of failures to understand system vulnerabilities and predict failure mechanisms.
• Characterize weapon system vulnerabilities.
• Model weapon system geometries to support high-fidelity vulnerability and lethality assessments.
• Perform weapon engagement analyses to quantify time-to-kill and probability of kill.
• Perform additional technical duties as assigned in support of Navy weapons integration and assessment efforts.
• Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications

***This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract***

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling and geometry development.
• Strong analytical foundation in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and system modeling.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting for modeling, data analysis, and simulation automation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with government personnel, contractors, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation and communication.
• Experience performing Failure Mode Effectiveness Analysis (FMEA), developing Failure Analysis Logic Trees (FALT), and generating Target Vulnerability Characterizations (TVC) products.
• Experience developing Vulnerability Modules (VMs), particularly for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems.
• Experience conducting engagement analysis, including generating TTK plots and Pk assessments using modeling and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with vulnerability/lethality analysis frameworks, survivability modeling, or DoD weapon system assessment processes.
• Experience supporting classified programs or working within secure facilities.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

Target salary is $75,000/annually to $85,000/annually commensurate with experience

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. ship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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