Aerospace Payload Systems Engineer

Fibertek Inc; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Flexible work schedules

9/8/80 alternate workweek

Job summary

Fibertek, Inc. in Herndon, VA is seeking lead systems engineers to mentor and guide cross‑functional teams in requirements flowdowns, interface management, integration & test planning, and technical leadership for space‑based lasers and electro‑optical systems.

The role emphasizes developing requirements, verification, and test strategies while collaborating with program leadership and stakeholders on NASA/DoD projects. U.S. citizenship and potential TS clearance are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with the design and testing of engineering or scientific instrumentation.
• Proficient in the fundamental principles of optics.
• Experience with at least one of: spaceflight hardware, electro‑optical systems, hardware systems engineering.
• Written and verbal technical communication skills; leadership experience preferred.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Hold or can acquire a Secret or Top‑Secret Clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work in cross‑functional teams with program managers, scientists, and engineers to develop new technologies and laser systems for military and space applications.
• Investigate technical issues and support their resolution.
• Develop flowdown of technical requirements and maintain requirement documents and databases.
• Requirement verification and tracking.
• Track and manage technical resources such as mass, volume, and power.
• Develop test plans and participate in test execution.
• Manage documentation of internal and external system interfaces.
• Lead and/or execute special projects at the direction of program leadership.
• Prepare technical documentation for internal stakeholders and/or external customers.
• Present at technical reviews.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Technical communication

Requirements flowdown

Cross-functional teamwork

Job description

Job Title

Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Job Description

At Fibertek, space-based lasers are our specialty – we develop cutting‑edge, one‑of‑a‑kind lasers and electro‑optical systems for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and other aerospace customers. We are looking for future lead systems engineers to join our growing team. Join us, and you will work with our veteran lead systems engineers in requirements flowdowns, interface management, integration & test planning, and multi‑disciplinary technical leadership while being mentored in the skills required to lead a program in the future. If you have a broad base of technical knowledge, the communication skills to work with a variety of technical backgrounds, and the desire to learn the arts of systems engineering and technical leadership, then we are eager to hear from you!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in cross‑functional teams with program managers, scientists, and engineers to develop new technologies and laser systems for military and space applications
• Investigate technical issues and support their resolution
• Develop flowdown of technical requirements and maintain requirement documents and databases
• Requirement verification and tracking
• Track and manage technical resources such as mass, volume, and power
• Develop test plans and participate in test execution
• Manage documentation of internal and external system interfaces
• Lead and/or execute special projects at the direction of program leadership Examples may include system trade studies, anomaly resolution, root cause / corrective action assessments, or risk‑reduction activities.
• Prepare technical documentation for internal stakeholders and/or external customers
• Present at technical reviews

Experience and Expertise Required

• 5 years of relevant experience preferred
• Experience with the design and testing of engineering or scientific instrumentation
• Proficient in the fundamental principles of optics
• Experience with at least one of: spaceflight hardware, electro‑optical systems, hardware systems engineering
• Written and verbal technical communication skills
• Leadership experience preferred
• U.S. citizenship is required
• Hold or can acquire a Secret or Top‑Secret Clearance preferred

Salary Range

The annual base salary range for this position is $90,000-$160,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.

Benefits

Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option. FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.

Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.