Laser Communication Engineer

Lockheed Martin; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 136,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, CO is seeking a Laser Communication Engineer to join the Laser Communication Engineering team.

You will contribute to development and delivery of laser communication subsystems for space platforms, supporting missions across defense and civil space programs.

The role requires hands-on design, testing, and analysis with RF/optical interfaces, MBSE tools, and a TS/SCI-ready citizenship.

Qualifications

• Experience with technical document writing/editing.
• Familiar with Excel, DOORs, Jira, Confluence and MBSE tools such as Cameo.
• Technical training or coursework with fiber optic or free space optical communication (laser communication).
• Active Top Secret clearance; must be able to obtain a TS/SCI; US Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the procurement, design, development, test and integration of space-based optical communication systems.
• Develop specifications, perform product trade analyses, execute detailed implementation, conduct laboratory and field testing, validate performance through analysis
• Testing and certify a deliverable product, and/or integrate the product onto a space vehicle.

Skills

Technical writing

MBSE/Cameo

Laser communication

Security clearance

Excel

DOORs

Jira

Confluence

US Citizenship

Education

Electrical Engineering / Optical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

This position is contingent upon contract award to Lockheed Martin. Estimated award date is currently AUGUST 2026. Any job offers extended to chosen candidates will include a contingency clause stating that the offer is dependent on Lockheed Martin securing the contract.***

This position is contingent upon contract award to Lockheed Martin. Estimated award date is currently AUGUST 2026. Any job offers extended to chosen candidates will include a contingency clause stating that the offer is dependent on Lockheed Martin securing the contract.***

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, in-vest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the work-force to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.

Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Laser Communication Engineer to support the Laser Communication Engineering team in Littleton, CO.

Laser Communication subsystems are an emerging need for our platforms and serve missions ranging from human space flight, commercial broadband services, national intelligence, protected communications, Pointing/Navigation/Timing, and more.

Our product portfolio addresses the critical needs of our commercial, civil, and government customers to field 5G communication solutions.

As a Laser Communication Engineer you will contribute toward the development and delivery of Laser Communication subsystem solutions for space platforms.

In This Role You Will

• Contribute to the procurement, design, development, test and integration of space-based optical communication systems.
• Develop specifications, perform product trade analyses, execute detailed implementation, conduct laboratory and field testing, validate performance through analysis
• Testing and certify a deliverable product, and/or integrate the product onto a space vehicle.

Architects and designs Radio Frequency systems and circuitry. Designs and develops RF circuitry used in high frequency and microwave applications, including receivers, transmitters, antennas, and frequency synthesizers. Responsible for hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test. Prepares test methods and specifications; analyzes and tests RF hardware to verify performance characteristics. Provides inputs to Product Development for formal documentation and supports manufacturing during the deliverable assembly and test phase. In addition, develops RF System/Subsystem Architectures consisting of: antennas, transmitters, receivers, low noise amplifiers, high power amplifiers, RF conversion elements and transmission line equipment. Performs link analysis and optimization, including effects of propagation medium and possible interference sources. Develops and allocates RF system and subsystem functional and performance requirements. Identifies and tracks RF technical performance measurements (TPMs). Performs RF system/subsystem/component trade studies and CAIV analysis. Supports Life Cycle Costs, reliability, availability, and maintainability analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with technical document writing/editing
• Familiar with use of Excel, DOORs, Jira, Confluence and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo.
• Technical training or coursework with fiber optic or free space optical communication (laser communication)
• Active Top Secret clearance; must be able to obtain a TS/SCI; US Citizenship required

Desired Skills

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
• Current or active TS/SCI
• Experience with delivering technical presentations to a technical audience
• Experience developing specifications for Laser Communication products and defining RF/Optical system interfaces for a spacecraft.
• Ability to develop and analyze technical requirements, perform trade studies and allocate functions down to laser communication subsystem and/or components.
• Experience with generating, reviewing and tracking engineering deliverables
• Experience with laser communication subsystem performance analysis using MATLAB or similar analytical tools for link budget
• Experience with the development and execution of laser communication subsystem tests
• Experience as a member or leader of a multi-functional team

Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered:

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.